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, Swindon and Wiltshire 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 18th January 2021. If you submit your application by 9am, 11th January 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. Sign up to one below:
Please note we are expecting competition to increase as the programme continues, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.
Community Training Grants in Thames Valley Berkshire
We want to support projects in Thames Valley Berkshire as the area is home to some of the many deprived local authorities such as Slough and Reading, resulting in higher levels of unemployment and economically inactive individuals. Through the ESFA Community Training Grants we hope that localised solutions can be implemented in the Thames Valley Berkshire area to address these issues and to ensure that residents can access the employment opportunities being created in the local economy.
Thames Valley Berkshire:
- West Berkshire
- Reading
- Bracknell
- Wokingham
- Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
- Slough
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:
If you have any additional questions please check our FAQs:
The guidance notes provides a description of what we expect from your application answers:
Start your online application:
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.
