Funding opportunity from Foundations: Open call for quasi-experimental design evaluations

Foundations is inviting proposals for evaluations of interventions, policies or programmes related to one of their four priority areas, using a quasi-experimental design (QED). This call is open to research organisations, freelancers, universities, and others with relevant expertise.

Foundations is working to generate and champion actionable evidence to improve services that support family relationships, helping ensure vulnerable children have the foundational relationships they need to thrive. Recognising that QEDs are powerful but underused in this space, Foundations is keen to support high-quality evaluations that can shift practice and policy.

Up to five evaluations will be funded, with £200,000 available per project. Applicants may submit more than one proposal; budgets will be adjusted accordingly.

Focus and priorities

Projects must align with at least one of Foundations’ four priority areas:

• domestic abuse
• supporting parenting
• strengthening family networks
• relationships for care-experienced children.

Proposals must also meet one of the following criteria:

• be linked to a current government mission or local practice need
• have a strong focus on equality, diversity, inclusion and equity.

Applications should demonstrate:

• robust use of QED methodologies
• understanding of data access and relevant datasets
• awareness of the practical context in which services are delivered
• the ability to deliver credible, actionable insights.

Applications may be led by individual organisations or developed through partnerships. While applicants are not expected to hold all expertise in-house, they must clearly show how the right skills and experience will be brought together. Partnerships that demonstrate complementary strengths are encouraged.

Funding

• Up to £200,000 per evaluation
• Up to five evaluations will be awarded
• Proposals may cover multiple evaluations (adjusted budget accordingly).

Applications for this opportunity will close at 12:00, Tuesday 1 July 2025.

How to apply

1. Download the application form and budget template from the Foundations website
2. Prepare a Gantt chart showing your project timeline
3. Upload all documents via the online application portal.

There is an applicant webinar on 29 May and 12 June. For more information and to begin your application:

Visit the Foundations website