Pathways to Work Innovation Fund

The Pathways to Work Innovation Fund from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) pays for projects that test new or significantly different ways to support disabled people and people with long-term health conditions. Every funded project must help people prepare for work, get a job, stay in work or make progress at work.

Innovation can mean a new service, a new tool, a new use of technology, a new way for organisations to work together, or a new approach for employers. It can also mean using an existing idea in a different place, with a different group of people or with an important change. Your project can focus on one place, community or group. You need to explain clearly what is new and what DWP and others could learn from it.

Applications are open to organisations across the United Kingdom, including charities and voluntary organisations, social enterprises, businesses, universities and research organisations, and councils. You can apply alone or as a partnership, with one lead organisation managing the grant.

Applications close on 26 October 2026 at 11:59pm. DWP will tell shortlisted applicants by 9 November 2026. Funding decisions follow from January 2027, and successful projects may begin mobilising from February 2027 once the Grant Funding Agreement is signed.

One caveat: the fund is not meant to pay for an organisation simply to carry on delivering an unchanged existing service. DWP also cannot discuss or advise on your project idea before you submit.

Official source: https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/pathways-to-work-innovation-fund-1. Last checked by GrantMatch on 16 October 2026.