Better Futures Fund

Value: Discretionary
Application deadline: 23 September 2026
Eligible expenditure: Funding supports outcomes-based projects addressing the causes and effects of child poverty, including family support, early years development, education, youth employment, SEND support, youth justice and children’s wellbeing. Projects must demonstrate measurable impact and have a clear outcomes framework.

Who can apply:

The first round is open to organisations and partnerships based in England that have prior experience of participating in Social Outcomes Partnerships (SOPs) and have existing projects that are sufficiently developed to begin delivery within six months of receiving funding. Applicants must be part of the impact economy, including purpose-led organisations and commissioners, and must be able to demonstrate a track record of delivering or participating in SOPs.

Eligible organisations may include local authorities and other public sector bodies, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, charities, social enterprises and qualifying social businesses. Commercial organisations may also participate where they meet the fund’s social purpose and profit distribution requirements.

Projects should have established partnerships and demonstrate the capacity to participate in an outcomes-based programme, including a clear focus on measurable outcomes. Applicants must also demonstrate that their proposed project is linked to child poverty outcomes and is ready to progress to delivery. Match funding should be secured or at an advanced stage of development.

The first round is intended for established organisations and partnerships with relevant experience rather than organisations developing their first SOP. The programme is focused on projects operating in England.

Eligible Expenditure:

Projects are expected to address the causes and impacts of child poverty through measurable outcomes.

Examples include: