Grant News
National Grid Electricity Distribution has announced the launch of a new £250,000 grant programme to help community organisations support people who are furthest from the job market. The Community Matters Fund (Future Skills 2026), delivered in partnership with Localgiving, is now open for applications and will close at 5pm on 23 April 2026.
Registered charities and charitable companies can apply for grants of up to £5,000, while unregistered community groups may apply for up to £2,000. Eligible organisations must be based in the Midlands, South West England, or South Wales .
The fund will support projects that develop practical skills and improve employability for underrepresented groups, including young people aged 16–25 not in full-time education, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, armed forces veterans, and people returning to work after a long absence.
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.
Applications must be made through the Localgiving platform. Successful applicants are expected to be notified in May 2026, with funding distributed the same month.
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