After a competitive tendering process, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has named CXK the grant co-ordinating body status for the European Social Fund (ESF) Community Grants Programme in Kent, Medway, East Sussex, Essex, Thurrock and Southend.
The programme will see grants of up to £20,000 awarded to voluntary sector organisations which support unemployed adults to progress towards education, employment or training.
The grants are particularly targeted towards organisations that help four key priority groups; the over 50s, individuals with disabilities, people from ethnic minorities and females. Eligible projects could include first contact engagement activities; projects which improve confidence, motivation and social integration such as sport, gardening, music or art; the development of local networks and groups to support people to get a job or access learning; and softer skills development.
Further priorities will be shaped by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) to meet local needs.
Sarah Mills, Assistant Director at CXK, said: “We are delighted that we have been successful in being awarded the ESF Community Grants grant co-ordinating body status. At CXK we’re dedicated to supporting individuals to progress towards sustainable education, employment and training, and we’re excited to be able to support other voluntary sector organisations to do the same. We look forward to receiving applications from April.”
