Timeline and next steps

The application process

You must apply for development funding first. Only partnerships that receive this funding will be able to apply later for project delivery funding.

Stage 1: project development

Partnerships can ask for up to £25,000 of development funding. This can help you cover things like:

staff time
engagement sessions with children and their caregivers
running partnership meetings

There will be support available to develop your project.

If you’re suitable to apply, we’ll send you a form to tell us more about your idea. You’ll need to submit this form by 12pm, 1 December 2025.

See the questions in the development grant form.

We’ll let you know if you’re getting development funding by March 2026.

Stage 2: project delivery

After you’ve developed your project, you’ll be able to apply for up to £2 million in funding to deliver it. You can only apply for this if you’ve had development funding.

We can fund projects that will run for up to 6 years. We can fund part of your project or all of your project.

We’ll send you a more detailed application form to apply.

See the questions in the application form.

You’ll need to submit this form by 31 July 2026.

We’ll let you know if you’re getting this funding by Autumn 2026.

If you need communication support

If it's difficult or impossible for you to apply online, please let us know. We can offer other ways to apply, such as forms that works offline.

We’ll check the information you give us

As an organisation that gives out public funds, we’ll check the information you give us. Learn more about the checks.

Agreeing to our terms and conditions

You must read and agree to our terms and conditions before submitting your application.

How we use your personal data

To find out how we use and store your personal data, read our privacy notice.

Funding in your area