How do you make the most of capacity building funding?
Short answer
Capacity building funding pays for supports that build your skills and independence over time, across nine categories such as Improved Daily Living and Increased Social and Community Participation. You make the most of it by linking it to clear goals, using it steadily through your plan and practising new skills in everyday life with your Core supports.
Your NDIS plan may include a Capacity Building budget alongside your Core budget. The two work in different ways, and understanding the difference helps you get more from both.
This guide explains what capacity building funding is, how it is organised and how everyday support can help you put new skills into practice.
What is NDIS capacity building funding?
Capacity building funding pays for supports that help you build skills, independence and connections over time. The aim is to reduce the support you need in the long run.
Core supports help with what you need to do today, like personal care or getting to the shops. Capacity building supports focus on what you want to be able to do in the future, such as managing your own money or joining a social group on your own.
What are the capacity building categories?
Capacity building funding is split into nine categories. Each one covers a different area of your life.
| Category | What it generally focuses on |
|---|---|
| Support Coordination | Help to understand your plan and connect with providers |
| Improved Living Arrangements | Help to find and keep a suitable place to live |
| Increased Social and Community Participation | Building skills to take part in community, social and recreational life |
| Finding and Keeping a Job | Support to prepare for, find and keep work |
| Improved Relationships | Building social skills and positive relationships |
| Improved Health and Wellbeing | Supports that help you stay active and well |
| Improved Learning | Help moving from school to further education |
| Improved Life Choices | Support to manage your plan and funding |
| Improved Daily Living | Assessment, training or therapy to build independence |
Not every plan includes every category. Your plan will only include the categories that relate to your goals and needs.
Unlike Core, capacity building funds are generally tied to their category. You usually cannot move money from one capacity building category to another, or into Core.
How is capacity building different from Core funding?
Core funding covers everyday support and is usually flexible across Core categories. Capacity building funding is for building skills and is generally fixed to each category.
- Purpose: Core helps you live day to day. Capacity building helps you grow skills for the future.
- Flexibility: Core is usually flexible across its four categories. Capacity building is usually locked to each category.
- Who delivers it: Core supports are often delivered by support workers. Capacity building supports are often delivered by therapists, coordinators or specialist programs.
For a wider overview, see what is the NDIS.
How do Core supports and capacity building goals work together?
Core supports give you regular chances to practise the skills your capacity building supports are developing. Skills stick when you use them in real life, often.
For example, someone might have a goal to cook simple meals on their own. Their health team might use Improved Daily Living funding to work out a plan. A support worker, funded through Core, can then help them practise that plan in their own kitchen each week. That everyday practice is where life skills development fits in.
The same works for social goals. If you are building confidence to join a local group, a support worker can go with you to start with, then gradually step back. Our community participation page explains how that support works.
Your therapists and health team handle any therapy itself. A support worker can help you practise the routines your team has set.
How do you get the most from your capacity building budget?
Link every support to a goal in your plan, use the funding steadily and keep track of the results. That gives you a clear story to tell at your next review.
- Read your plan and note which categories you have funding in.
- Match each support to one of your goals.
- Check your balance regularly so funds are not left unused, or used up too early.
- Ask providers for short progress updates you can keep.
- Tell your support worker about your goals so everyday activities can reinforce them.
It also helps to share information between the people who support you, with your permission. When your health team, your coordinator and your support worker know what each other is working on, the support pulls in the same direction.
How should you prepare for your plan review?
Gather evidence of what has worked, what has not and what you want to do next. Clear examples help the NDIA understand what support you need.
- Keep notes on new skills you can now do on your own, like catching a bus or making lunch.
- Collect reports from your providers and health team.
- Write down any areas where you still need help, and why.
- Think about new goals you want to add.
- Bring a family member, friend or advocate if that helps.
Progress you have made through everyday practice counts. Note it down so it is not forgotten.
If you feel your funding was not enough, or was in the wrong category, explain why with examples. For instance, you might say you used all your Improved Daily Living funding by month eight and still needed help.
How can Enrichment Care help?
Enrichment Care does not deliver capacity building therapy or support coordination. We provide core supports, including life skills development and community participation, that give you regular, practical chances to work on the goals in your plan.
If you would like a support worker who can help you practise new skills, visit find your support worker or call 1300 543 123.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move capacity building funds into my Core budget?
Generally no. Capacity building funds are usually tied to a specific category and cannot be moved into Core or between capacity building categories. If you think your funding is in the wrong place, raise it with the NDIA or at your plan review.
Can a support worker help with my capacity building goals?
A support worker funded through Core can help you practise everyday skills linked to your goals, like cooking, shopping or using public transport. Any therapy is handled by your own health team, and a worker can help you follow the routines they set.
What happens to unused capacity building funds?
Unused funds generally do not roll over into your next plan. They may also suggest to the NDIA that you need less support. Using funding steadily, and keeping notes on why, helps make sure your plan reflects your real needs.
This article is general information, not advice about your plan. NDIS rules and price limits change, so check ndis.gov.au or talk to your NDIS contact for current details. Last reviewed 3 September 2026.
