Community Matters Fund
Our Community Matters Fund is now closed.
This spring, we have teamed up with Localgiving to support groups that deliver focussed programs to develop the practical skills and improve employability levels for people furthest from the job market.
The Community Matters Fund (Future Skills) is committed to supporting key groups that would most benefit from assistance, including : youth (16-25, not in full time education), people from ethnic minority backgrounds, those with health conditions or disabilities, armed forces veterans, ex-offenders and those returning to work after a long-term absence.
Registered charities and non-profit companies can apply for up to £5,000. Unregistered community organisations can apply for up to £2,000.
Successful projects will need to support individuals, by meeting at least one of the following themes:
- Offering placements, work experience, and professional accreditation programmes.
- Developing key professional skills to help people into skilled trade roles e.g. construction, mechanics, plumbing, electrical work, agriculture, health and social care.
- Boosting employability, e.g. through CV masterclasses, workshops and interview coaching.
- Supporting people returning to work after a long-term absence, for example due to chronic health conditions, full-time caring roles or military service.
We’d welcome a blend of these themes, supporting those groups highlighted above from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds for whom there are barriers to gaining skills. Funding is available for registered charities, charitable companies, and unregistered community organisations based in these locations.
Applications open on 19th March and close on 23rd April 2025.