Institutional Childcare Facilities in Lower Austria - Sponsor Funding

The State of Lower Austria and the municipalities of Lower Austria support operators of institutional day care facilities with a permanent grant funding. The goal is to guarantee reliable care services for children under three years of age until school entry for working parents, thereby strengthening the compatibility of family and career. Eligible for funding are public institutions, non-profit organizations, as well as private providers who, according to the Lower Austria Childcare Act, offer group services for at least eight bindingly registered children per group. The funding focus is on personnel and material costs, training and education expenses, as well as control and supervision measures. Applications can be submitted at any time, but retroactively only for periods up to six months after the service period.

The amount of funding is €23,265 per approved group upon compliance with VIF-compliant opening hours (2,115 care hours annually). Additionally, the respective host municipality contributes the same amount based on a positive needs assessment and a valid approval notice. Funding prerequisites include, besides the needs assessment and operating permit, timely application submission, evidence of personnel costs and actual opening hours, as well as consistent compliance with legal requirements. The application documents include the official form, the annex, the positive needs assessment of the host municipality, the approval notice, and evidence of personnel and material expenses. This model aims to expand and permanently strengthen high-quality care structures throughout Lower Austria.