Fostering Innovation Fund - Application Launch
The Department for Education is inviting applications from Regional Care Co-operatives (RCCs) and End-to-End fostering hubs to bid for funding for innovative and new models of foster care. This application process is open to Regional Care Co-operatives and End-to-End Fostering Hubs.
- Opening date:
- Closing date: (Midnight)
Contents
Summary
The Department for Education is inviting applications from Regional Care Co-operatives (RCCs) and End-to-End fostering hubs to bid for funding for innovative and new models of foster care.
This application process is open to Regional Care Co-operatives and End-to-End Fostering Hubs.
Through the Innovation Fund we want to test different models of foster care that push the boundaries of how we do things now to achieve better results for children. We want to better understand what models will improve outcomes for children through ensuring the right approach for a child depending on their circumstances and needs.
The overarching aim of the Fostering Innovation Fund is to invest in innovative or promising innovative foster care models to develop evidence based best practice across England. With an improved understanding of best practice, promising models can be scaled to allow innovation to be adopted into the mainstream and we can strengthen the evidence base to develop improved practical guidance for the sector. Funding decisions will be based on outcomes that address some of the most critical issues facing the fostering system.
The total value of this fund is £12.4m over financial years 2026 - 2027 and 2027 - 2028. This is inclusive of evaluation costs.
Eligibility
This application process is open to RCCs and End-to-End Fostering Hubs – both existing and those who, at the time of fund launch, have applied to become an RCC or End-to-End Fostering Hub. Only those who have been successful in their applications to become a RCC or Hub will be awarded funding.
Bids must be led by End-to-End Fostering Hubs and Regional Care Cooperatives. Any other organisation cannot apply for this funding independently or as a lead bidder.
We encourage applications from End-to-End Fostering Hubs and RCCs working in partnership with other organisations. For these bids, bidders must demonstrate how their RCC or Hub will lead the programme and add significant value. We are not looking for bids from RCCs and Hubs who will pass funding to a third party with limited involvement or value add on their part.
We require all Innovation programme bids to run for a minimum of twelve months. No shorter bids will be accepted.
Objectives
The number of foster carers in England has been steadily decreasing since 2021, which is reducing the number of loving homes available for children and young people who need foster care. The government is committed to ensuring every child who cannot live with their birth family has the warmth, stability and belonging of a home where they are loved where appropriate. The government has pledged to grow the number of LA and third sector foster places by 10,000 by 2029.
As set out in Renewing Fostering: homes for 10,000 more children, the Department for Education (DfE) is now launching the Fostering Innovation Fund supported by an investment of £12.4m to scale and spread new and existing models of care.
The programme seeks bids which are designed to achieve specific outcomes as set out in the application guidance: Fostering innovation fund: application guidance - GOV.UK
Increased number and diversity of foster carers, particularly from under‑represented age groups
More children stepped down from residential care into foster care where this is in their best interests
Reduction and prevention of placement breakdown
Speeding up the process of foster carer approvals without lowering standards
Dates
Applications for this funding open on 14 May and close at 23:59 on 11 June. Bidders may seek clarification about any aspect of the application process up until the clarification deadline of 12pm on Thursday 4 June.
You can do this by sending your clarification question, clearly marked to fostering.programme@education.gov.uk. To receive clarification question answers you must email fostering.programme@education.gov.uk with the subject heading “Fostering Innovation Fund: Clarification log registration”
How to apply
To apply for this grant, please see the application guidance and form held here: Fostering innovation fund: application guidance - GOV.UK
RCCs and End-to-End Fostering Hubs may apply for funding for more than one programme. A separate application form should be submitted per programme.
External organisations can be part of multiple applications.
Bidders may seek clarification about any aspect of the application process, documentation or requirements that have been asked of them. You can do this by sending your clarification question, clearly marked to fostering.programme@education.gov.uk up until the clarification deadline of 12pm on Thursday 4 June.
To receive clarification question answers you must email fostering.programme@education.gov.uk with the subject heading “Fostering Innovation Fund: Clarification log registration”.
Both lead bidders and any organisations who are interested in working in partnership to deliver a programme can register to receive the answers and can submit clarification questions.
Supporting information
For additional information on this grant, please visti the Gov.uk Page: Fostering innovation fund: application guidance - GOV.UK