The Early Years Parenting Fund supports organisations that improve outcomes for young children through effective, culturally grounded parenting support.
The focus is on the first five years of life, a critical stage for physical health, social and emotional development, and cognitive growth. The fund prioritises work with families facing the greatest challenges, particularly those living in areas of high deprivation and communities where outcome gaps are widest.
Funded organisations are those trusted by the communities they serve, delivering support that is flexible and shaped around families’ lived experiences. A strong emphasis is placed on evidence-based practice and demonstrating clear impact.
The fund is part of the Henry Smith Foundation’s Getting Started priority, which aims to help families give young children the strongest possible start in life. For this fund, ‘parents’ includes any caregiver.
Funding overview
- Grant amount: £56,250 per year over four years
- Total funding: £225,000
- Type: Flexible funding, including core costs
- Eligibility: UK-based not-for-profit organisations delivering early years parenting support
Key dates
- Applications open: 3 June 2026, 9am
- Expression of Interest deadline: 1 July 2026, 5pm
- Full application deadline (by invitation): 21 August 2026, 5pm