Supporting New Playgroup’s to Grow
Playgroup Victoria’s Great Start Program
To ensure playgroup is a mainstay, Playgroup Victoria have created a perpetual fund to provide an ongoing source of support for new community playgroups. The program will assist playgroups to start strong and have longevity.
What is the Great Start Program?
Playgroup Victoria’s exciting funding and support program creates opportunities for new playgroups to have a great start. This program will provide recipients with monetary support for items such as toys, books, arts and crafts kits. Successful applicants will also receive mentoring and resources from Playgroup Victoria.
Applications for Round One will be open from Monday 17th March 2025 and close at 5pm on Thursday 17th April 2025.
What do successful applicants receive?
- $500 to purchase equipment
- Mentoring from Playgroup Victoria’s Support and Development Team
- A six-month extension on current Playgroup Victoria Playgroup Registration
- Guidance accessing, implementing and engaging with Playgroup Victoria’s full suite of resources, templates, booklets and play ideas
- Online networking opportunities and peer support
FAQS
Read on to find helpful tips and insights about the Great Start program. Click on the headings to learn more!
What is the Eligibility Criteria?
Applications are open to all new, not-for-profit community playgroups that are registered with Playgroup Victoria.
New community playgroup refers to any playgroup that began from the 1st October 2024 onwards. Up to 25 applicants will be chosen to take part in Round One of the program. Open dates for future application opportunities are to be confirmed. Not a registered playgroup yet? REGISTER HERE
How will successful recipients receive their funding? How will recipients be required to report their playgroup purchases?
- Successful applicants will receive funds via Playgroup Victoria’s allocated financial management system to purchase equipment, toys or resources for the playgroup.
- Spending is restricted to purchasing equipment for the playgroup.
- Successful applicants will be required to supply evidence of their expenditure.
How will applicants be assessed? Will priority be given to certain groups?
All new playgroups are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be individually assessed based on the needs of the group and local community. Priority may be given to not-for-profit community playgroups that showcase any of the following:
- The playgroup is run in a location where there are limited playgroup opportunities available to the community
- The playgroup does not have access to external support
- The playgroup has a focus area of any of the following: Inclusive practices, first-time parents, Indigenous families, culturally and linguistically diverse families, Dads and male caregivers, young parents, disability and/or any other group that represents diversity, supports parental wellbeing and advocates for the benefits of early years support networks
What does the Playgroup Victoria mentoring entail?
Individualised mentoring will be provided by the Playgroup Victoria Support and Development Team. The mentoring sessions and conversations may take place on the phone, online (via Teams, for example), or in person, where possible. Playgroup staff will guide playgroups, sharing knowledge about the best ways to promote their playgroup, implement best practice, and source play ideas and tips on how to create an inclusive and welcoming playgroup community.
What resources are available for new playgroups?
- The Playgroup Starter Guide
- The Playgroup Toolkit – a digital portal that is home to the best playgroup tools and resources including editable templates, posters, fact sheets, guides and heaps more.
- Downloadable activity booklets with topics that include Nature, Health and Wellbeing, Music, Creative Play, Sustainability and more
- The Wild Things Bush Play Set-Up Guide
- Digital play ideas library, with over 100 downloadable activity sheets
What is a community playgroup?
A community playgroup is managed and run by community members. A community playgroup is made up of parents, carers and/or other volunteers. Community playgroups are not-for-profit and exist to support local families and carers.
Can supported playgroups apply for the program?
No, supported playgroups are not eligible under this fund.
Can a playgroup apply if they are not registered with Playgroup Victoria?
No, all eligible applicants will need to have current Playgroup Victoria playgroup registration. Not a registered playgroup yet? REGISTER HERE
When is the application due and when will I get a response?
Applications for Round One will be open from Monday 17th March 2025, closing at 5pm on Thursday 17th April 2025. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application as soon as practical after the closing date.
Philanthropic funders, we welcome you to contribute to the Great Start Program
Invest in playgroups future and become a funder of the Great Start Program!
At Playgroup Victoria, our vision is that all Victorians value and benefit from playgroup. By setting up this perpetual fund we hope to provide an ongoing source of support for new community playgroups. The program will assist playgroups to start strong and have longevity.
We warmly welcome sponsors to connect with us to learn more about contributing to this fund.
