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 and Groundwork South are administering Community Training Grants in the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership), funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund.
We are also administering ESFA Training Grants in North and East London, Swindon and Wiltshire and Dorset.
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 is 9am, 10th August 2020. If you submit your application by 9am, 3rd August 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 Thames Valley Berkshire
There is a need for positive interventions to ensure all those furthest from the labour market can access the employment opportunities being created in the local economy.
Thames Valley Berkshire includes the following local authorities:
- 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, 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 Thames Valley Berkshire
There are communities in Thames Valley Berkshire that have exceptional needs. Slough is the most deprived local authority area within Berkshire; it is identified as being particularly deprived in relation to crime, income deprivation facing older people, and access to housing and services. Reading is also more deprived than average (ranked 143 out of 326 local authorities).
Localised solutions need to be implemented to address worklessness and exclusion for residents.
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.
