Grants are available for VCSE organisations offering local skills, training and job opportunities for individuals aged 16 and over who are unemployed or economically inactive and from the hardest to reach communities in the area.
There is a total of £900,000 to cover the lifetime of the programme. Grants of up to £20,000 are available.
There will be multiple funding rounds between April 2019 and July 2021. Applications will be considered at a panel meeting every other month.
The funding is for community projects that can help move individuals aged 16 and older into work, or closer to employment, by providing vocational training, advice, guidance and information. Match funding is not required.
The funding is intended to support projects which aim to:
- Develop the capacity of the community and to meet local needs.
- Undertake activities that promote social inclusion.
- Build employment and enterprise skills through the voluntary and community sector.
- Provide intensive support to help upskill participants and move towards and enter work.
- Engage those participants who are the hardest to reach through innovative approaches.
Although all sections of society can be targeted, priority will be given to the following groups:
- B.A.M.E. (Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities)
- People with disabilities.
- Young People (aged between 16-24).
- Over 50 year old.
- Women.
Organisations interested in applying for funding should contact the Foundation first before starting the online application form.
For 2019, applications submitted between:
- 30 May and 10 July will go to the panel on 31 July.
- 11 July and 3 September will go to the panel on 25 September.
- 4 September and 7 November will go to the panel on 27 November.
Contact the Community Foundation for Staffordshire for further information on 01785 339540 or office@staffsfoundation.org.uk or see their website (https://staffsfoundation.org.uk/grants/esfcommunitygrants/).
