Department for Education

The DfE supports a range of educational causes in England, focusing on early years education, school improvement, and inclusive practices. Programmes include strengthening early years transitions and improving reception readiness, creating or expanding nursery places for disadvantaged families, and raising standards in schools identified as needing improvement by Ofsted. The Inclusive Mainstream Fund helps schools implement inclusive practices for neurodiverse students, reducing the need for statutory assessments. Funding can cover capital works, project delivery, training, equipment, and research.

Only organisations based in England are eligible, specifically state-funded schools, multi-academy trusts, research schools, and local authorities. The DfE prioritises work that benefits children, young people, and disabled pupils, including those with neurodiverse needs. Applicants should be able to deliver evidence-based, scalable interventions aligned with national and regional priorities.

The DfE does not fund registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs), community interest companies (CICs), community groups, social enterprises, or individuals. It also does not support projects outside England or non-statutory charitable core costs.

Grants are awarded through open application rounds and are typically time-limited, focusing on measurable impact. Some programmes offer multi-year funding. The DfE welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible organisations.