Grants on offer to improve employability of ‘those furthest from the job market’

Charities are being urged to apply to a £250,000 grants scheme aimed at improving the job prospects of groups including young people not in education, ex-offenders and armed forces veterans.

The Community Matters Fund (Future Skills) is being run through a link up between National Grid Electricity Distribution and community group support platform Localgiving.

It is offering grants of up to £5,000 to charities and not for profit organisations in the electricity distribution firm’s areas of the Midlands, South West and South Wales.

The Fund is focused on funding “programs to boost skills and improve employability for those furthest from the job market”.

People from global majority communities and those with health conditions or disabilities returning to the job market are among other groups being targeted.

Since the Fund was first launched in 2021 more than £10m has been awarded.

Typical initiatives the Fund will cover include offering courses in literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

Delivering networking and work experience opportunities, support with CV writing and interview skills and help those returning to work after long-term absences, are among other typical schemes the Fund covers.

Andrei Yusfin, chief executive of Localgiving, which is managing delivery of the Fund,said: “Work is about more than just earning money. It can create identity, purpose, health and lifestyle benefits, connection to a community and more. But we know that many need a bit of a helping hand when it comes to accessing employment.

“Groups in our community are running great projects assisting people to get into work and we are proud to be able to support them with this grant.”

Applications close on 10 July and organisations will be informed of the outcome in August, when money will be distributed.

“Significant barriers keep some groups from easily accessing employment opportunities and joining the world of work,” added National Grid community engagement manager Ellie Patey.

“We’re keen to see applications from support groups that deliver practical, focused programmes to boost skills and improve employability for those furthest from the job market.”