Homework Club
Partnership Fund

2026 Grant Round

Update for the 2026 Homework Club Partnership Fund Grant Round

Thanks to the collective efforts and advocacy of the Learning Support sector – particularly following the LBB Forum in September – the Minister for Education has committed a one-off, emergency contribution of $300,000 to the Homework Club Partnership Fund (HCPF) for 2026.

This contribution will significantly increase the total funding pool and our capacity to offer grants in this round. While the full parameters for the expenditure of the government contribution are still being finalised, there may be opportunities for multi-year funding and/or larger grants for some Learning Support Programs (LSPs).

We know this is a last-minute but positive development, and we’re committed to managing the additional funds fairly, transparently, and in line with the intent of this government contribution: to support LSPs to remain viable in 2026 and help avoid further program closures.

In light of this, we are reopening the HCPF application period:

Reopen: Friday 31 October

Closes: Monday 10 November, 5pm

Please read the information below carefully:

• If you have already submitted an application but would like to adjust your request, ACF will reopen your application so you can answer a few short additional questions. This will ensure all applications can be fairly reassessed in line with the additional funding available. ACF will contact you shortly with more details. (Please note, it is not mandatory to make changes to your application, if you’re happy with your original submission, no action is required.)
• If you’re preparing a new application, these additional questions will appear in your application form.
• Please note that annual grant amounts of up to $30,000 will now be considered for distribution (previously capped at $20,000).
• If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with CMY. Your regional Project Support Officers remain available to provide guidance and support with your application.
• Finally, please note that final decisions are likely to be delayed due to this extension of the application period. However, we are still aiming for mid-Dec to provide outcomes to grant applicants.

High-priority areas for funding in 2026 include:

• Rural and regional Victoria;
• Areas and/or cohorts in Metropolitan Melbourne with high unmet learning support needs

Target communities include:

• Migrant and refugee students
• Students from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds

Organisations or projects that have previously received funding in the HCPF are welcome to apply again.

If your Learning Support Program is interested in applying for funding for 2026, please read the grant guidelines and Minimum Standards for Good Practice in Learning Support Programs below and contact the Centre for Multicultural Youth before applying.