Apply for a Test and Learn Grant to support families in Bristol
You can apply now for a small grant to run a short-term project that supports families with children under 4 in Bristol.
The Test and Learn Grants Scheme is part of the Bristol Family Hubs and Start for Life Programme. It's funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
The DfE have announced that they plan to create a new Best Start Family Hubs Programme, which local authorities will be funded to deliver from 2026 to 2029.
We are looking to get ready for this exciting new time by exploring innovative ways to have an impact for families. Through the Test and Learn Grants Scheme, we aim to:
- work with new partners who are already reaching parts of the community we aren't
- build services based on a solid understanding of what the needs of our communities are
- make sure our funding process is as transparent and accessible as possible
We will be awarding a limited number of small grants to organisations to carry out ‘test and learn' projects over a period of six months, from November 2025 to April 2026. These projects will focus on developing and piloting new approaches to supporting families.
Who can apply
You can apply if your organisation:
- is based in Bristol or delivers services in Bristol
- works with families who have children under 4
- has a bank account in the organisation's name, or has an accountable body that does
- is one of the eligible organisation types listed in the guidance
- has a safeguarding policy in place before your project starts.
You don't need to have received funding from Bristol City Council before. We're especially keen to hear from smaller groups who know their communities well and want to try something new.
Types of Grants Available
You can apply for either the Race and Multilingual Equality Grant or the VCSE Innovation Grant.
Race and Multilingual Equality Grant
This grant supports projects that work towards one of the following outcomes:
- 0 to 4-year-olds from diverse ethnic communities, and their parents, benefit from accessible support for their social, emotional or communication development
- Families from diverse ethnic communities have meaningful chances to share their views and help shape services to improve the quality of support received in the start for life period
- Resources are developed that are accessible and meet the cultural and literacy needs of the communities reached
VCSE Innovation Grant
This grant supports projects that work towards one of the following outcomes:
- Expectant and new parents and carers who are least likely to use family hubs services benefit from accessible outreach support
- Parents and carers can find help through the wider community, rather than just in family hub buildings
- Families who are at risk or vulnerable are actively identified, prioritised and offered support
Funding Available
Each grant has a total pot of £28,000. You can apply for up to £7,000. We aim to fund at least 4 organisations for each grant type.
How to Apply
Applications open on Monday 1 September 2025 and close midnight on Tuesday 30 September 2025.
Read the pdf guidance(270 KB) on the scheme and application process.
Fill in the document test and learn application form(295 KB) and email it to family.hubs@bristol.gov.uk.