Aims/priorities: The funding is for proposals in the following areas:
- Technology: Proposals that aim to improve the ability of the public sector to use or generate robust evidence about Artificial Intelligence and digital innovation, including evaluation of AI and digital policies/programmes.
- Local government: Proposals that aim to improve the ability of local government, including Mayoral Strategic Authorities, to use or generate robust evidence and evaluation.
- Other government priorities: Proposals that aim to improve the evidence base in relation to other government priorities, including:
- Kickstart economic growth
- Build an NHS fit for the future
- Safer streets
- Break down the barriers to opportunity
- Make Britain a clean energy superpower
A range of different types of projects can be supported within these areas, including impact evaluations, feasibility studies, evidence reviews, development of outcomes frameworks, value-for-money assessments, development of data infrastructure, and implementation research.
Proposals from organisations that are not part of central or local government (eg, most WWCs, all universities, charities or other organisations) must directly or indirectly benefit England in whole or part. This means that a majority of participants in the proposed activity's sample must be based in England.
Who can apply? Proposals will be accepted from:
- Central government (eg, UK Government departments, arms-length bodies, and non-departmental public bodies)
- Local government (eg, Local authorities, regional authorities, MCAs, etc)
- What Works Centres (WWCs)
- Academic institutions such as universities
- Charities or organisations whose activities are charitable, benevolent or philanthropic in nature (eg, non-profits, community interest companies).
Grant amount: There is a maximum of £2.5 million for this fund. There is neither a minimum nor a maximum set grant.
The funding is for one-year projects which start in July 2026 and conclude by March 2027.
Application process: The guidance document is available on the GOV.UK website.
Proposals must be submitted by email to eaf@cabinetoffice.gov.uk by the deadline.
EAF information sessions will take place on:
- 3 June (12:00 - 13:00)
- 4 June (16:00 - 17:00)
- 10 June (15:00 - 16:00)
- 11 June (15:00 - 16:00).
Booking is required and can be done via Eventbrite.
Deadline: Sunday, 28 June 2026 (18:00).
Contact information: Email: eaf@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Website: Evaluation Accelerator Fund - GOV.UK