Henry Smith Foundation Launches Early Years Parenting Fund

The Henry Smith Foundation has announced a new Early Years Parenting Fund, part of its Getting Started priority, aimed at helping young children get the best start in life.

This fund marks the first phase of a five-year programme focused on improving early childhood development through effective parenting support, with future rounds expected to evolve and target different groups.

Who should apply?

The fund is aimed at VCSE organisations working with parents or primary caregivers of children aged newborn to five, particularly those:

• From Black, Pakistani, and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, and/or
• Living in the most deprived 20% of areas nationally

Applicants should be trusted organisations with strong community links and able to demonstrate the impact of their work.

Funding available

Charities with an annual income between £100,000 and £5 million can apply for £225,000 over four years (£56,250 per year). Funding is flexible, including support for core costs, alongside opportunities for learning and relationship-building.

What the fund aims to achieve

• Improve children’s physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development
• Increase access to culturally relevant and responsive support
• Build evidence to influence wider services and systems

Key dates

Launch webinar: 2 June 2026 (recording available)

Expressions of Interest: 3 June – 1 July 2026

This is a valuable opportunity for VCSE organisations supporting families in underserved communities to secure long-term, flexible funding and strengthen their impact in the early years sector. Click below for more information or to express your interest.

Apply Here