Freeport launches grants to help people into work

Charities and community organisations across the region are being encouraged to apply for grants to support skills, training and employment projects.

East Midlands Freeport – for which the East Midlands Combined County Authority is the accountable body – is inviting applications for grants of up to £50,000 from The Skills and Community Equity Fund for projects across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire

The fund is designed to support positive community projects in the Freeport area.

It supports initiatives that strengthen skills and employability, raises aspirations and removes barriers to training and work.

Tom Newman-Taylor, chief executive of East Midlands Freeport, said: “The Freeport is about attracting investment and creating good jobs but also making sure local people benefit.

“Community organisations are often best placed to understand what is holding people back and what will work locally. Our role is to help unlock good ideas and support practical projects that can make a real difference.

“I would encourage organisations with a strong proposal to come forward and help us ensure the opportunities created by the Freeport reach right across our communities.”

Applications close on 6 October. For more information, including how to apply, click here.