Funding for Lower Austrian Private Kindergartens

The State of Lower Austria supports operators of private kindergartens with a flat-rate subsidy of €45,000 per kindergarten group and kindergarten year. The aim is to cover operating costs and ensure a high-quality, free-of-charge attendance in the mandatory kindergarten year (20 hours/week). Eligible for funding are companies, non-profit organizations, interest groups, and associations located in Lower Austria that care for at least twelve children (from 01.09.2024: ten to a maximum of fifteen children in a toddler group) and comply with the requirements of the Lower Austrian Kindergarten Act 2006, including the obligation to implement the educational plan. Excluded from the free-of-charge provision are special offers, catering, and material purchases.

Applications can be submitted continuously until December 31 of each kindergarten year. Required are a fully completed application form, the statistical sheets to be submitted annually in autumn, proof of educational plan implementation, as well as bank account details. Through transparent reporting and accounting obligations, the program promotes sustainable structures and pedagogical excellence in early childhood care. The continuous grant opportunity creates planning security and freedom for innovative concepts in the fields of education, training and further education, as well as work & social affairs.