Grants for voluntary and community organisations

Upto £24,000 for organisations which address those who are furthest from labour markets

Community Grants is a funding programme designed to provide small grants of up to £24,000 to small voluntary and community organisations, aiming to reach those who are furthest from the labour market.

Funded by the European Social Fund and London Development Agency, GLE has managed the fund since 2009, channelling European funding to the most socially excluded groups and helping 2826 people move closer to finding employment.

These groups have specifically included people with disabilities, lone parents, ex-offenders, black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and refugees.

From 2011-2013, the programme will be funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and match-funded by the London boroughs of Croydon, Enfield, Lambeth, Southwark and Tower Hamlets. GLE manages Community Grants in partnership with London Councils.

Who can apply

Community Grants will only fund organisations which:

• Are based in the London boroughs of Croydon, Enfield, Lambeth, Southwark or Tower Hamlets;
• Are not- for- profit: The programme cannot fund organisations that make a profit. However, the programme can fund social enterprises and other organisations that generate surpluses, as long as the organisation’s governing documents show that the surplus is reinvested to support the aims of the organisation. This must be reflected in the accounts you gives us;
• Have a constitution in place: Organisations funded through the programme must have a constitution or governing document that is signed and dated, and defines how the organisation will operate. A governing document can be a formal constitution or a memorandum or articles of association;
• Have a bank account in the organisation’s name that requires two signatories: This information is needed in order to check that there are sufficient financial controls in place;
• Are financially solvent: Organisations’ most recent accounts must show a positive net worth position, as organisations funded by through the programme must not have liabilities that are greater than their current assets.

For additional eligibility criteria please see the prospectus of the borough you will be applying under.

What we'll fund

Funding for projects which focus on increasing employability

All projects funded through the Community Grants programme will have to focus on employability. Your project actions must help people unemployed or economically inactive people who are at particular disadvantage in the labour market move towards employment. Projects can cover a wide range of activities and includes:

• Support to raise levels of basic skills;
• Taster work experience including voluntary work;
• Training, advice and counselling;
• Job search assistance and other assistance necessary to secure employment;
• Confidence building;
• First contact engagement activities, for example to provide support to engage individuals with barriers to accessing mainstream services in a non-threatening environment.

Our aim and outcomes

Building the potential of those who are furthest from the labour market

A key feature of the programme is the achievement of “softer outcomes” – while not every participant achieves employment, many report improved confidence and life skills which act to build their potential for entering employment.

For people from the most disadvantaged groups personal development training is essential in order to move towards employment.

This focus is in line with the aims of ESF, which was set up to improve employment opportunities in the European Union and so help raise standards of living. It aims to help people fulfil their potential by giving them better skills and better job prospects.

To download an application pack

Visit http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/aboutus/invitationtotender/esf-programme5boroughs.htm?showpage=-1 to download an application pack.