Aims/priorities: The aim of the Fund is to deliver place-based solutions to complex social problems in England by improving young people's life chances (such as addressing school attainment, youth employment and reducing youth re-offending).
The objectives of the scheme are to:
- Develop a learning and development programme that provides relevant support at each stage of the SOP lifecycle that enables organisations and stakeholders to explore, develop and deliver projects on the BFF.
- Equip applicants to the BFF with the relevant tools, insights and resources that help them deliver and implement SOP projects.
- Use and translate evidence and learning from the BFF and previous SOP programmes to support stakeholders to develop and deliver projects on the BFF.
- Facilitate opportunities for projects involved in both rounds of the BFF to share knowledge, learning and experience with each other.
- Support local, regional and national stakeholders to build understanding of and capability in outcomes based commissioning approaches.
Who can apply? A consortium (with a lead partner) or a single organisation in England who has previous experience of/are knowledgeable about SOP delivery are eligible to apply.
The following outcomes are expected:
- Increased capability, knowledge, and confidence among delivery organisations to effectively design, launch, and manage high-quality SOP projects within the BFF.
- Enhanced capacity among commissioners to design, structure, and procure outcomes-based partnerships that align with local strategic priorities.
- Improved understanding of SOP financing/investment approaches and funding partnership models.
- Stakeholders demonstrate improved understanding of how SOP approaches can be applied to addressing child poverty.
- Active collaboration between the cohorts of the BFF is fostered, enabling projects to share and apply insights, learning and best practice to improve project delivery and outcomes.
- Outcomes-based commissioning approaches are more widely understood, adopted and embedded by commissioners and stakeholders across local, regional and national systems, informed by learning from the BFF.
Proposals that offer a service that is accessible and can support a diverse range of organisations and stakeholders interested in SOPs and the BFF are encouraged, and also initiatives that demonstrate how the project can be targeted to support organisations and stakeholders working in places and communities experiencing higher levels of child poverty.
Grant amount: The total fund value is £2.6 million and will be awarded to one consortium/delivery partner.
The grant will be available to the successful applicant as follows:
- Up to £300,000 in the financial year 2026/27
- Up to £550,000 in the financial year 2027/28
- Up to £550,000 in the financial year 2028/29
- Up to £600,000 in the financial year 2029/30
- Up to £600,000 in the financial year 2030/31
Application process: Full guidance and an application form are available online. The application form should be submitted by email.
Contact DCMS for further information.
Deadline: Monday, 10 August 2026 (23:59) for notification in September.
Contact information: Email: betterfutures@dcms.gov.uk
Website: Better Futures Fund learning and development partner competition - GOV.UK