Update in light of COVID-19: Groundwork is in contact with funders in relation to making reasonable adjustments for applicants/grantees where possible in light of these unprecedented times. We will provide updates as we get them. If you have any queries please do get in touch with our team on communitytraininggrants@groundwork.org.uk. Please try to avoid contacting us by phone, given connectivity issues of home working.
Groundwork London are administering Community Training Grants in the London North and East areas of the LEAP (London Economic and Action Partnership) funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund. We are also administering Training Grants in Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire and Thames Valley.
About ESFA Community Training Grants
The focus of these grants will be to fund projects which support participants who are over 16 years of age, eligible to work in the UK and either unemployed or economically inactive.
Successful applicants are expected to be able to help move individuals into work, or closer to employment, by providing vocational training, advice, guidance and information.
Eligibility
Third sector and small organisations can apply for grants between £5,000 and £20,000. Applicants must be from either third sector organisations or small organisations (less than 49 employees), and have an annual turnover of less than €10 million Euros, please see currency convertor.
This is a rolling programme, so you can apply at any time. The deadline for your application to be considered in our next round of decision meetings has been extended by two weeks and is now 9am, 26th October 2020. If you submit your application by 9am, 19th October 2020, we will be able to give you feedback on how your application could be strengthened, giving you time to update and resubmit prior to the deadline.
We regularly offer applicant workshops which are an opportunity to learn more about the programme and ask us questions, if you would like to attend one, please contact communitytraininggrants@groundwork.org.uk.
Please note we are expecting competition to increase as the programme continues, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.
Community Training Grants in London North & East
London North & East areas of the LEAP includes the following boroughs:
- Barking & Dagenham
- Bexley
- Bromley
- Enfield
- Greenwich
- Havering
- Newham
- Redbridge
- Waltham Forest
If you deliver in (Barnet, Brent, Camden, City of London, Ealing, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Wandsworth, Westminster) please contact Paddington Development Trust .
If you deliver in (Croydon, Kingston-Upon-Thames, Merton, Richmond-Upon-Thames or Sutton), please contact London Learning Consortiumon 0208 774 4040 and ask for the Contracts and Compliance Manager.
How to apply
Before beginning your application, we suggest that you read through the guidance documents provided below. These documents are designed to help you put together a strong application, and to ensure that your organisation and project meets the eligibility criteria.
The prospectus provides a comprehensive overview of the scheme:
The application questions allows you to read through the questions before applying. Please note, you cannot use this document to apply, but must use the ‘Apply for a Grant’ link:
If you have any additional questions please check our FAQs:
The application guidance notes provides a detailed description of what we expect from your answers:
Start your online application by completing a short eligibility checker:
Why we want to help London
London has the highest proportion of people in poverty of any UK region, which is exacerbated by the high costs of living. There is also continued and persistent gender, race and disability pay gaps; and a high number of Londoners without basic skills in literacy, English language, numeracy and digital skills.
About the Funders
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) is accountable for funding education and skills for children, young people and adults.
The European Social Fund (ESF) invests in opportunities across the European Union, with a focus on improving employment and education.
ESFA and ESF are co-financing Community Training Grants to offer skills, training and employment opportunities for individuals who are unemployed or economically inactive. ESFA in London is managed by the Greater London Authority who acts as the Intermediate Body for ESFA under the strategic direction of the Mayor and the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP).
For more information contact communitytraininggrants@groundwork.org.uk – 020 7239 1390.
