Projects funded through Community Grants should support individuals who are currently unemployed or economically inactive to take up training, volunteering or get back into work.
The grant programme is keen to receive applications from organisations that can create bespoke ways to engage with people from the hardest to reach communities. Projects should support people to develop confidence, self-esteem, enhance employability skills and transferable life skills.
Examples of projects could include those that:
- provide training, advice or counselling to support with a job search
- assist with financial numeracy and literacy
- develop digital skills
- provide work experience or volunteering opportunities with a clear path back into employment
It’s anticipated that each project will support around 15 to 20 individuals.
Grants will be paid in up to four instalments, 25% will be paid upon the signature of the contract. Then, the remaining 75% will be paid in up to three instalments, in line with project performance monitoring. Each project should run for a maximum of 12 months.
If you are successful in your application, it is crucial that your organisation is ready to implement and manage the project.
Priority will be given to projects that work with people who live in areas with higher levels of deprivation.
Applications are encouraged to support these target groups:
- People with disabilities, health conditions & neurodivergent traits
- Households on a single income with dependent children
- Individuals who are homeless or in temporary accommodation
- People aged 50 or over
- People from ethnic minority groups
- Ex-Offenders [not receiving HMPPS support]
- Women returning to work e.g. from maternity leave, a long period as a carer or parent or women whose circumstances have changed
