City’s donation helps Early Learning Fund support more than 700 children in 2026

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Goodstart’s Early Learning Fund (ELF) on track to support more than 700 children in 2026, making it the program’s largest year of impact since 2022.

Established in 2015, Goodstart’s charitable cause, the Early Learning Fund removes cost as a barrier to early learning, helping children experiencing disadvantage access the high quality and inclusive early education and care that can make a lasting difference to their learning, development and future opportunities.

Goodstart’s Head of Social Impact Integration and Partnerships, Penny Markham, said reaching 700 children in 2026 reflected both the growing need for support and the incredible generosity of the community behind the Fund.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to benefit from high quality and inclusive early learning, regardless of their family’s circumstances,” Penny said.

“The Early Learning Fund exists to ensure that cost isn’t the reason a child misses out on those opportunities during the years that matter most.”

With the support of Goodstarters, philanthropic partners and corporate donors, the Early Learning Fund provides targeted financial assistance to children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage, helping families access and participate in early learning during critical developmental years.

Among those helping make that impact possible is City, the Early Learning Fund’s Major Support Partner. Through a landmark five-year partnership announced last year, City is helping provide access to early learning for at least 115 children each year.

City’s support, alongside thousands of Goodstart workplace giving donors, philanthropic supporters and other corporate partners, is helping more children access the learning, relationships and support they need to thrive.

“Together, we’re helping children access opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. That’s something every Goodstarter, partner and supporter can be incredibly proud of,” Penny said.

Since its establishment, the Early Learning Fund has supported thousands of children across Australia and generated evidence that has helped strengthen the case for reforms designed to improve access to early learning.

“The impact of the Early Learning Fund extends far beyond the children it supports directly,” Penny said.

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen first-hand the difference access to early learning can make for children experiencing disadvantage. That evidence has helped strengthen the case for change and contributed to important reforms, including the introduction of the Three-Day Guarantee.”

“The Three-Day Guarantee is a significant step forward for Australian children and families, but we know there are still families facing barriers to participation. That’s why the Early Learning Fund remains such an important safety net.”

What is the Early Learning Fund?

The Early Learning Fund removes cost as a barrier for families and their children by providing financial assistance that can contribute to the cost of early learning.
Acting as a safety net when government support isn’t available, the Early Learning Fund enables children facing disadvantage to access and participate in early learning during the years that matter most for future learning, development and life outcomes.

Support is available for children who may otherwise miss out on early learning and who meet at least one of the following criteria: