ESFA Community Training Grants: Swindon and Wiltshire

Update in light of COVID-19: Groundwork is in contact with funders in relation to making reasonable adjustments for applicants/grantees where possible. We will provide updates as we get them and advise organisations to deliver in line with government guidelines. If you have any queries please do get in touch with our team on communitytraininggrants@groundwork.org.uk.

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, London North and East and Thames Valley.

About ESFA Community Training Grants

Community Training grants between £5,000 and £20,000 are available for projects supporting people who are unemployed or economically inactive, move closer towards employment.

We fund a range of innovative projects which help prepare participants for work by providing opportunities to learn and upskill in anything from industry-specific training to developing soft-skills. Participants must be over 16 years or age and eligible to work in the UK.

Watch our video to see some of the projects we’ve funded:

Eligibility

• Applicants must be either third sector organisations or small organisations (less than 49 employees).
• Your organisation must have an annual turnover of less than €10 million Euros, please see currency convertor.
• Participants must be over 16 years of age and eligible to work in the UK.

Deadlines

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 making is 9am, Monday 22nd March 2021. If you submit your application by 9am, 15th March 2021, 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. Use the link below to sign up to our next available session.

Application Workshop

We also have a recording of one of our previous sessions available to watch in your own time. You may access this training using the link below.

Recorded Training

Please note we are expecting competition to increase as the programme continues, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.

Community Training Grants in Swindon and Wiltshire

With 25% of the population of Swindon & Wiltshire living in villages of less than 1,000 people, there is are greater disadvantages for communities accessing work due to remoteness, lack of services, and poor visibility by social support networks. Through the Community Training Grants we hope that more people can be able to move closer to the workplace throughout rural locations, the market towns, as well as the urban centres.

Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) includes the following local authorities:

• Swindon Borough Council
• Wiltshire Council

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:

ESFA Prospectus

The application questions allows you to read through the questions before applying. Please note, you cannot use this document to apply:

Application Questions

If you have any additional questions please check our FAQs:

Application FAQs

The guidance notes provides a description of what we expect from your application answers:

Application Guidance Notes

Start your online application:

Apply for a Grant

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.

For more information contact communitytraininggrants@groundwork.org.uk – 020 7239 1390.