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 and London North and East.
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.
Sign up to our mailing list to receive important updates about upcoming deadlines and application workshops by clicking the button below.
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
Application deadline for round 12 is Monday 20th September, 9am. Pre- application guidance is available if you submit your application by Monday 13th September, 9am. Click the “apply now” button below to start your application.
We regularly offer application workshops which are an opportunity to learn more about the programme, get advice and ask us questions. Upcoming workshop dates are Tuesday 10th August (11-13.30) and Thursday 19th August (14.00 – 16.30)
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.
Please note we are expecting competition to increase as the programme continues, so we recommend applying as soon as possible.
Update
- Our easy to use online application portal has been updated based on feedback from previous grantees to better support applicants with their application.
- We’ve update the payout structure to include 40% on award of your grant, an additional 40% during delivery of project and 20% on completion.
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
Guidance on 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:
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.
