Our individual grants programme aims to support motivated adults living in the UK to undertake education and training that will increase their chances of employment.
We offer grants up to £1,500 to undertake accredited vocational training up to level 3 (Qualification levels explained) and towards other costs associated with studying.
What can I apply for?
- Grantees may apply for up to £1,500 towards course fees (the course must be an accredited vocational course up to level 3) AND/OR costs associated with studying up to £750 for childcare, travel and equipment. The maximum grant award is £1,500.
- Individuals may re-apply if their course lasts for more than a year. For this, we would expect to see evidence of successful progress.
- If you are based in England, you must confirm that you are not able to undertake a course nearby that is Government funded, you may be asked for evidence of this (check out these sites: Free Courses for Jobs, Free Courses in England).
To apply you must be:
- Aged 18 and over
- Experiencing financial and other challenges e.g. disability, major trauma or a life event, mental health issues, carer responsibilities, care leaver, estranged from family, English language learners (ELL), child care responsibilities.
- Have been unemployed for at least 6 months within the last 2 years.
- Have the right to work and study in the UK, and have lived in the UK for at least 3 years.
- From a low income household (annual income must not exceed figures below relating to your household).
Total annual income (after tax)
| Single adult | £20,400 |
| Couple | £30,800 |
| Single parent with one child | £25,100 |
| Single parent with two or more children | £33,900 |
| Couple with one child | £31,000 |
| Couple with two or more children | £42,900 |
*figures based on the ‘Minimum Income Standard for the UK in 2022’ by Joseph Rowntree Foundation
We prioritise
- Little or no past work experience
- Lack of school qualifications
- Courses that aren’t eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan
- Access Courses
- Applications that demonstrate a realistic plan to seek employment
- Courses that provide support and advice into employment
We do not fund
- Retrospective grants
- Functional Maths and English courses
- Courses that are not accredited
- Courses leading to self-employment in health & beauty, animal care and personal fitness
- Business start-up costs
- GCSEs, A-Levels or equivalent qualifications
- Undergraduate or Postgraduate degrees
- Applying to travel, study or work abroad
- Applicants who have a degree
- Private Dance, Drama or Performing arts courses
When Can You Apply
The grants programme is normally open all year round and is awarded on a first come first serve basis.
How long does the application process take?
We aim to process each application within 8 weeks. Applications are usually delayed by waiting for references or failure to respond to additional questions, so please make sure you and your referee are able to respond to emails.
Referees
Your referee must be someone who knows you via a professional capacity, and who can vouch for your suitability to pursue your chosen course. Such as:
Support worker, Tutor, Probation Officer, Employment Advisor, previous/current Line Manager.
Please note that the email address provided must be from a verified address not a personal one.
We cannot accept references from relatives.
Click here to begin the online application form
After you receive the grant
Successful applicants will be expected to notify us of any changes that affect the grant. We will also expect you to provide us with progress updates after you complete your course. Failure to do so will prevent you from re-applying for future grants.
