Funding a good start: Philanthropy and the early years sector
Home » Resource hub »
What happens during their early years has a huge impact on a child. Not all children get the same start, and this inequality can follow them through the rest of their lives. Funders can help reduce inequalities in life outcomes by supporting charities intervening in this early period of a child’s life. Here we outline the various ways in which philanthropists could make an impact in this area.
The charity sector plays a vital role in helping to improve the support for families during children’s early years. They help level the playing field and improve a child’s life chances by intervening at this early stage. By funding their work, philanthropists can make a real difference.
In this briefing we provide an overview of:
- The early years as a social issue
- The UK policy context
- The work charities are doing
- The ways in which philanthropists can fund this area
From providing direct support to parents, to training practitioners and professionals, to campaigning and researching to influence the entire system, there are many ways to help. We talk through our funding levels model so funders can decide which area is right for them.
Report authors
Support our work
Did you find this briefing useful? Find out how you could support our work.
How to support NPCMore cause briefings for funders and philanthropists

Solutions for sanctuary
This paper describes the landscape of the refugee and asylum charity sector in the UK. It is designed to be of particular use for donors interested in funding organisations working in this area.

In your care
NPC's briefing for philanthropists and funders on how they can support the care system to ensure better life chances for children in care and care-leavers.

Making the most of your giving to the arts
This paper explores the important role philanthropists have to play in ensuring the future of the arts, and outlines some considerations for anyone seeking to support an arts charity.