News article

The FFNGP is a £2.5 million grant programme which will fund targeted early intervention support for children, young people and families. The programme is funded through the Department for Education’s Families First Partnership Policy.

Eligible organisations can apply for a grant from £15,000 up to £60,000. 

All funding projects and programmes will run for 30 months (two and a half years). They are required to start 1 October 2026 and finish 31 March 2029.

Who can apply

Applications are invited from voluntary and community organisations and not-for-profit organisations, including:

• voluntary and community sector enterprise (VCSE) organisations
• registered charities
• community interest companies (CICs)
• not-for-profit organisations limited by guarantee 
• charitable incorporated organisations (CIOs)
• community benefit societies or co-operative societies

What it can fund

The FFNGP will fund targeted early intervention projects and programmes that enable children and families to:

• address challenges early
• build resilience
• achieve positive and sustainable outcomes

Applications can be focused on direct work with children (five years plus), young people, parents and carers or a combination of those through whole family support. We will fund projects and programmes that are already active, or have recently been delivered, and are known to achieve good outcomes.

Where it covers

The grants programme covers the 12 districts within our administrative area (excluding Southend and Thurrock). For the purpose of the FFNGP, a neighbourhood means a clearly defined local area within Essex. This includes a:

• housing estate
• ward
• village
• town

Applicants must explain why a neighbourhood has been chosen and how the proposed activity responds to local need. Prioritisation will be given to applications which target areas where need and demand levels are greatest. 

Find out more and apply