Resources

Funding and other support

There are many sources of funding for parenting education and support projects. To save time, here are some of the best places to start.

Your regional government office can give guidance and information on current funding sources and application procedures and the External Funding Officer of your local authority can also offer advice.

The website governmentfunding.org.uk gives up to date information on funding from the four key central government departments as well as government offices for the regions. The site has downloadable application forms for grants available from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, the Department of Health, the Home Office and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. A directory of users enables groups to find details of other organisations that have registered with the site.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families is the main government funder in the field of parenting education and support. It has responsibility for the Parenting Fund and the Children, Young People and Families Grants Programme.

There are a number of government funded multi-agency initiatives which have included parenting education and support services, such as children's centres, extended schools, Every Child Matters: Change for Children, Sure Start and youth offending teams. If any of these are operating in your area it is worth checking their strategic plan to see where you could fit in and to take part in the planning process if possible.

It is advisable to seek core funding for the co-ordination and administration of local strategic multi-agency provision from the main local providers. Short term funding can undermine local partners' commitment to the strategy and inhibit effective long term planning. Partnership working is often the key to success.

Sources of funding

Funding is available from both government and voluntary organisations.

Government funding

A summary of the latest application and eligibility criteria for these organisations is available from Parenting UK.

Adventure Capital Fund

Children's Workforce Development

Community Champions

Connecting Communities Plus - Community Grants

Futurebuilders England

Local Network Fund for Children and Young People

National Learning and Skills Council

Section 64 General Scheme of Grants