New funding for local community groups now available

Nearly £1 million is now available to grassroots voluntary and community groups based in the South East Midlands.

Grants are between £5,000 and £20,000 and are specifically for projects that help engage and progress ‘hard to reach’ individuals towards the labour market. Groups eligible to apply must be based in the SEMLEP area, with an annual turnover of less than £300,000.

The funds are being managed by ‘Futures Advice Skills and Employment’ and jointly funded by the Skills Funding Agency and European Social Fund.

The types of projects this funding can support include:

• Initial help with basic skills
• Taster work experience including voluntary work
• Training, advice and counselling
• Confidence building
• Job search assistance including the provision of equipment and other help necessary to secure employment
• First contact engagement activities

Louise Thompson, Development and Funding Manager at Futures, said: “Many unemployed people are simply unable to follow traditional routes into employment. They need more intensive and bespoke support and guidance than can currently be offered. Often, this level of support is better provided by community and voluntary organisations that know their local communities well.

“We’re inviting such organisations to apply for funding that will allow them to help very vulnerable people overcome significant barriers to progression.”

Applications close on Tuesday, 2nd August at 4pm. The grants will be allocated during the week commencing Monday, 15th August 2016.

Find out more about the funding by emailing comm.grant.apply@futuresadvice.co.uk