Hello
This Spring, National Grid Electricity Distribution is again partnering 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.
National Grid understands the huge potential that exists to upskill and support underrepresented groups, and it is firmly committed to unlocking this untapped talent, with a fund of £250k, as well as wider support, best practice sharing and networking with their existing expert partners.
The UK jobs market is changing. There is growing demand for skilled workers in areas like digital, clean energy, construction and engineering. But not everyone can access the training they need.
Around one in eight young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training. Many others find it hard to get back into work after time away because of health issues, caring responsibilities or time spent in the armed forces. Without the right support, these barriers can last a long time.
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 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.
Who can apply and how to do it
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 of key professional skills to help people into skilled trade roles e.g. construction, mechanics, plumbing, electrical work and clean energy.
- 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.
National Grid Electricity Distribution provides electricity to eight million customers across the Midlands, South West England, and South Wales. Funding is available for registered charities, charitable companies, and unregistered community organisations based in these locations.
Start your application
If you are an existing Localgiving member then simply log into your account, a link to the application form can be found by clicking on the ‘Find Grants’ section of your account displayed on the left-hand side of your dashboard and then clicking on the "Localgiving Grants" tab.
If you are not a Localgiving member then START YOUR APPLICATION HERE
Further information about the process can be found in our GUIDANCE DOCUMENT which includes important eligibility information and FAQs.
Applications will open on Monday 16th March and close at 5pm on Thursday 23rd April. Organisations that complete applications will be informed of their outcome in May, with money distributed later that month.
"Thanks to the Community Matters Fund, 48 refugees based in Birmingham will benefit from targeted employability services, which will support them as they work towards their long-term employment goals and towards independence and security."
Breaking Barriers, recipient of a Community Matters Fund (Future Skills) grant in 2025.