Helping people find work with our Community Matters Fund grants

We are offering a financial helping hand to organisations supporting people to enter the workforce.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available from our Community Matters Fund for charities and community organisations that assist people facing barriers to getting jobs.

We’re looking to support:

• development of key professional skills, e.g. through classes in literacy, numeracy or IT
• networking and placements, such as work experience, shadowing and placement schemes
• boosting employability, e.g. through CV masterclasses and interview coaching
• people returning to work after a long-term absence, for example due to chronic health conditions, full-time caring roles or military service

Applications for grants open today until Friday 12 July, and can be started here. Registered charities and non-profit companies can apply for up to £5,000. Unregistered community organisations can apply for up to £2,000.

We’re keen to see a range of groups benefit from this £250,000 fund, such as 16 to 25-year-olds not in full-time education, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and ex-offenders.

Ellie Patey, our Community Engagement Manager, said: “Significant barriers keep some groups from easily accessing employment opportunities and joining the world of work.

“National Grid Electricity Distribution understands the huge potential that exists to upskill and support these under-represented groups, and is firmly committed to unlocking this untapped talent.

“We’re keen to see applications from support groups in the South West, South Wales and the Midlands that deliver practical, focussed programmes to boost skills and improve employability for those furthest from the job market.”

Andrei Yusfin, CEO of Localgiving which is managing the delivery of the grant, said: “We are delighted to be partnering again with National Grid for the latest Community Matters Fund.

“Work is about more than just earning money. It can create identity, purpose, health and lifestyle benefits, connection to a community and more. But we know that many need a bit of a helping hand when it comes to accessing employment. Groups in our community are running great projects assisting people to get into work and we are proud to be able to support them with this grant.”

Every year the Community Matters Fund supports the work of community groups and charities based on varying themes – previously, for example, it has helped those tackling fuel poverty.

Since it started in 2021, it has donated more than £10.5 million across the South West, South Wales and the Midlands.