£2 million innovation fund launched to improve outcomes for children experiencing homelessness

Organisations across the UK are being invited to apply for a share of £2 million to develop innovative solutions that improve educational outcomes and wellbeing for children and families experiencing homelessness.

The latest Contracts for Innovation (CfI) competition, delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in partnership with the Department for Education (DfE), is seeking new approaches that help children continue learning despite the challenges of homelessness and temporary accommodation.

The competition opened on 19 May 2026 and closes at 11am on 8 July 2026, with successful projects expected to begin on 1 September 2026.

Children and families experiencing homelessness often face disrupted education, unstable routines and limited access to learning resources. The programme aims to support innovations that create more consistent learning opportunities while improving wider health and wellbeing.

The competition is looking for projects that could include:

• Improving access to safe and suitable spaces for learning.
• Developing digital learning tools and educational resources for children living in temporary accommodation.
• Strengthening collaboration between education, housing, health and support services.
• Helping parents and carers better support children’s learning during periods of housing instability.
• Improving how schools and early years settings respond to children experiencing homelessness.
• Reducing barriers such as transport, frequent moves and disrupted routines.
• Supporting the specific needs of single-parent families experiencing homelessness.

Up to 10 organisations are expected to receive Phase 1 contracts, with individual projects worth between £200,000 and £500,000, inclusive of VAT. Projects will run for 12 months, and successful applicants may later be invited to compete for further development funding in subsequent phases.

The competition is open to organisations of any size, including businesses, charities, research organisations and social enterprises. Applicants must demonstrate a clear route to real-world adoption, including how their solution could be implemented and scaled to benefit children and families.

Applications will be assessed by independent experts on factors including innovation, technical approach, value for money and commercial potential.

Click here for more information.

Applications close at 11am on Wednesday 8 July 2026.