CLOSING SOON -Better Futures Fund – Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has launched a major funding opportunity as part of the Better Futures Fund (BFF), seeking a delivery partner to design and deliver a national Learning and Development Service that will strengthen the knowledge, confidence and capability of organisations developing Social Outcomes Partnerships (SOPs) across England.

With funding of up to £2.6 million available over five years, this opportunity is aimed at experienced organisations or consortia with a strong track record in learning, organisational development, public service innovation and outcomes-based commissioning.

About the Better Futures Fund

The Better Futures Fund is a £500 million government programme designed to improve outcomes for children, young people and families by supporting Social Outcomes Partnerships across England. These partnerships bring together public services, charities, social enterprises, investors and local communities to tackle complex social challenges through an outcomes-focused approach.

The Learning and Development Service will play a key role in helping organisations understand, design and deliver these partnerships successfully.

Funding Available
DCMS is making available up to £2.6 million to a single lead organisation or consortium to deliver the programme between October 2026 and March 2031.

Indicative funding is:

• 2026/27: Up to £300,000
• 2027/28: Up to £550,000
• 2028/29: Up to £550,000
• 2029/30: Up to £600,000
• 2030/31: Up to £600,000

Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcomed from:

• Charitable organisations
• Social enterprises
• Public sector organisations
• Private sector organisations
• Consortia led by an eligible organisation

The lead applicant must meet the eligibility requirements set out in the guidance, including demonstrating the organisational capacity and financial standing required to manage a grant of this scale. The value of the annual grant requested must not exceed 50% of the lead organisation's average annual income over the previous two financial years.

What Will the Successful Organisation Deliver?

The successful organisation will develop and deliver a comprehensive learning and development programme that helps organisations:

• Build knowledge of Social Outcomes Partnerships.
• Develop confidence in outcomes-based commissioning.
• Share learning and best practice.
• Support collaboration across sectors.
• Strengthen the capability of organisations delivering Better Futures Fund projects.

Key Dates

• Applications opened: 6 July 2026
• Application deadline: 11:59pm on Monday 10 August 2026
• Programme delivery: October 2026 – March 2031

Is This Opportunity Right for Your Organisation?

This is a highly specialised, national opportunity that is likely to suit organisations with experience in:

• Organisational development and capacity building
• Learning and training programme delivery
• Outcomes-based commissioning
• Social Outcomes Partnerships or Social Impact Bonds
• Cross-sector collaboration
• Programme management at a national or regional level

Partnership or consortium bids may be particularly attractive where organisations can demonstrate complementary expertise and nationwide reach.

Find Out More

Full guidance, eligibility criteria and application documents are available via the Government's Find a Grant service and GOV.UK:

Better Futures Fund: Learning & Development Service Competition

Competition Guidance and Application Documents