Millions Available for Seniors and Young Children

7 April 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Local governments in Subcarpathia can apply for grants for seniors and childcare to fund facilities and sensory rooms.

Local governments in Poland’s Subcarpathia region can now apply for significant public funding, aimed at older residents and infants. The call covers two schemes and offers millions in support for local services. This announcement highlights grants for seniors and childcare across the region.

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What the programs offer

The first scheme, “Aktywni Seniorzy – ASY,” supports centres for older people. Consequently, councils can apply until 21 April. Moreover, they may receive up to 80 percent of investment costs. Therefore, a new Daily Senior Centre can get up to 400,000 zł. In addition, a Senior Club can get up to 200,000 zł. The money can also pay for furnishings and basic equipment. Currently, the national pot for this programme totals 60 million zł. However, the scheme also funds running costs for existing centres.

grants for seniors and childcare

The second scheme, “Aktywny Żłobek – sale sensoryczne 2026,” targets childcare for under-threes. It runs until 26 April. It supports sensory rooms that improve sight and touch. It also helps with emotion regulation and calming spaces. Therefore, a local nursery can receive up to 80,000 zł. A children’s club may get up to 60,000 zł. Meanwhile, a day carer can qualify for up to 20,000 zł. The programme requires a minimum 10 percent co-financing. In addition, it excludes facilities that already receive support from “Aktywny Maluch 2022–2029.”

Who can apply and how

Municipalities and other providers of childcare may apply. Consequently, those who run nurseries, children’s clubs, or day carers qualify. The government requires online applications. Therefore, councils must submit proposals via ePUAP or e-Doręczenia. The winning projects will operate in 2026. Moreover, the Podkarpackie (Subcarpathia) province already hosts about 90 senior facilities. So local leaders see a clear need for more capacity.

For expats, the practical impact matters. Senior facilities often link with local social security offices. For example, ZUS handles pensions (ZUS is Poland’s social security institution). Moreover, access to health services usually routes through the NFZ (the National Health Fund). In addition, parents and carers often use a PESEL number (PESEL is the national ID number) to register children. Therefore, these programmes influence local demand for services. Consequently, they shape where families and retirees choose to live.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat living in Poland, contact your municipal office (urząd gminy or urząd miasta) to learn how local facilities register. You may need a PESEL (national ID number) for your child. Moreover, social care links to ZUS (social security) and health services to NFZ (public health insurer). Therefore, check eligibility early and ask about language help when applying for services.

Next steps Councils should prepare projects now. In addition, they should budget their 10 percent contribution where required. However, timelines are tight. Therefore, expect competition for funds. Finally, successful projects will roll out in 2026, improving care for the oldest and youngest residents in the region.

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