HOW TO APPLY

What is the fund for?

Learning opportunities for people of working age who are “disadvantaged” in the labour market, to help them to become more able to get and keep a job.

Who can apply?

· Voluntary and community groups of all sizes.

· Social enterprises – community business, co-ops, credit unions.

Target Groups

· People with Disabilities

· Lone Parents

· Ethnic Minorities

· Over 50’s

· Homeless People

· People at Risk of Offending or Ex Offenders

· Disaffected Youths (13-17) who are in danger of dropping out of the educational system.

· People with Basic Skills Need

· People from disadvantaged communities which fall within the worst 30% of deprived areas

Activities

· Basic skills training, confidence building, practical help to be more ready for work.

· Social enterprises – start ups, business advice/guidance/development.

· Local support networks to address barriers-mentoring, benefits advice for disabled.

· Projects which improve the quality of life/environment in a local community and provide learning opportunities for people who take part.

Other rules

· Applications are for £500 - £6.000 which can be used for all or part of the cost of your project.

· The money must be spent by 31st December 2006.

· Your group must have a constitution or set of rules.

· The people who benefit must be from Warrington, Halton, Ellesmere Port & Neston, Vale Royal or Congleton and must be aged 13-65 years old.

· Priority will go to groups who have not received ESF funding.

Grants cannot be given for:

· Money you have already spent

· You cannot make more than one application for the same purpose.

· Capital items costing more than £1,000 each (smaller items will only be eligible if they are clearly connected to the learning proposed).

· Projects which discriminate by the grounds of race, sex, religion or disability unless exempt under the law.

How to apply

Fill in and return the attached application form. If you want to discuss your ideas or need any help, ring your local CVS.

You should hear within 5 weeks of returning your form. If you are successful you will need to give further details including a financial breakdown before you receive the funding.

You will receive 80% of the grant immediately, and the remaining 20% on satisfactory completion of a report and evaluation form.

Vale Royal CVS 01606 723182