New fund aims to empower communities in West Midlands through skills and training
Charities, social enterprises and training providers across the West Midlands are being offered the chance to get funding for new development projects.
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City & Guilds Foundation has launched a pilot scheme to help fund initiatives designed to boost employment, skills and development in communities across the UK.
As part of the Foundation’s drive to support innovative local projects, the Local Community Skills Fund aims to boost community-led initiatives which may not be eligible for funding from traditional sources.
Grants up to the value of £10,000 are available for projects which support people aged 16+ who are facing barriers, and support the development of skills required to move towards or into employment.
The Community Skills Fund is also inviting Expressions of Interest and applications from UK-based Registered Charities, Social Enterprises, Colleges and Further Education providers, and individuals or community groups supported by eligible organisations.
The Fund will tackle skills gaps at a hyper-local level and aims to positively impact communities where access to training and development are limited, and improve opportunities in areas facing acute deprivation.
The new Local Community Skills Fund complements established City & Guilds grant giving schemes, including dedicated funding streams for frontline charities supporting individuals with convictions and displaced people to gain skills and find meaningful employment, together with a longstanding bursary scheme to help disadvantaged individuals gain the skills society needs.
Dick Palmer, chair of City & Guilds Foundation, said: “The Local Community Skills Fund is a vital step in addressing the unique challenges that our local communities face.
"By fostering innovative, locally-led solutions that create pathways to employment, we hope to help more people throughout the UK access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”
Faiza Khan MBE, executive director, Corporate Affairs & Foundation, City & Guilds, said: “At City & Guilds, we know that skills change lives and communities.
"With regional differences in access to skills and development in the UK continuing to negatively impact upon living standards and prospects, the Local Community Skills Fund aims to provide access to small sums that can together create big change in communities throughout the UK.
"So often, it’s the access to an opportunity to kick-start an idea, or career, that can make all the difference to future chances; I am confident that this fund will provide those opportunities.”
The Fund will be open until the middle of February initially, so to register interest, or for more details on grant eligibility, criteria, or further information about the programme, go to the Foundation website.
