The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is inviting applications from civil society sector organisations in England to deliver the Government’s Local Covenant Partnerships Fund, a new three-year programme worth £11.59 million.
DCMS is seeking an experienced organisation, or partnership of organisations, with a strong track record of building relationships between multiple local stakeholders and driving investment in the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector.
About the fund
The Local Covenant Partnerships Fund aims to strengthen collaboration between civil society organisations and local authorities to improve joined-up, preventative and self-directed care. Funding will support activity in areas including mental health, adult social care, women’s refuges and child poverty.
The programme will operate in 15 areas across England, to be identified later in 2026 based on ‘double disadvantage’ — high levels of deprivation alongside poor social capital. The fund will focus on communities most affected by the cost of living crisis.
Funding available
A total of £11.59 million revenue funding (including administrative costs) is available over three financial years, from 2026 to 2029. Funding will be paid quarterly and in arrears.
The successful applicant or applicants must be able to begin delivery in April 2026, working with DCMS to identify the 15 local areas that will take part in the programme.
Who can apply
Applications are open to charitable, philanthropic or benevolent institutions based in England. Organisations may apply:
-
As a single organisation, with or without delivery partners, or
-
As a joint application, such as a consortium, partnership or joint venture
Joint applications may be particularly relevant where organisations wish to combine capacity, capability or specialist expertise to meet the programme requirements.
Deadline and further information
The application deadline is 23:59 on 23 February 2026.
Full guidance and application details are available on the Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-local-covenant-partnerships-fund