A Better Start
Funding
Contact funder
Deadline
Check with the funder
Location
UK-wide
Applications
Rolling applications
Overview
A Better Start was a 10-year programme that provided £215 million in National Lottery funding. It focused on promoting good early childhood development across the UK. The programme aimed to improve outcomes for young children and their families. It supported projects and services that help children in their early years. The programme has now ended after running for its full 10-year term. No new applications are being accepted as the funding period is complete.
Regions
Awards published
47,703
Typical award
£18,689
Most awards
£9,986 to £20,000
Most funded region
London
12,824 awards in 2025, level with 12,725 the year before.
Recent awards include Wellbeing Challenge CIC (£20,000, 2026), West Wales Motorcycle Project (£19,490, 2026) and Tirabad Village Hall Committee (£15,000, 2026).
Contains data from 360Giving publishers, used under open licence.
Full details from National Lottery Community Fund
A Better Start was a 10 year, £215 million National Lottery funded programme focused on promoting good early childhood development.
Loading your grant tools...
Get notified about grants like this
Create a free account to receive alerts when new funding opens.
Create free accountLast updated: 2 October 2026