ESF Community Grants Programme Second Round Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Catherine Roberts Fund Manager

Where does the money come from? The Community Grants Programme is funded by the European Social Fund and the Skills Funding Agency as part of the Convergence Programme

Main Aim TO RAISE THE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EMPLOYABILITY OF THE HARDEST TO REACH GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS BY SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO DELIVER RELEVANT ACTIVITY IN THIER AREA

Target & Priority beneficiaries Target beneficiaries – unemployed and economically inactive aged 18yrs or over who are from the hardest to reach communities and who have difficulties accessing mainstream provision and/or ESF. Priorities for participation within that: –People with disabilities or health conditions –Lone Parents –People aged 50 or over –Females

What can be funded? All activities must help an individual to develop their skills and help them progress towards employment or further learning. Broad range of specific activity that can be funded as long as it meets the above.

Example activities Help with basic skills Taster work experience and voluntary work Job search assistance Confidence building and personal development First contact engagement activities – helping overcome specific barriers More project examples at the end

Who can apply? Constituted voluntary and community sector organisations who are local i.e. based and financially managed in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. With: -Organisation bank account -Relevant organisation policies e.g. Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

General Information & Criteria Total value of grants available c £560,000 Programme start – Summer 2011? All projects to complete by September 2013 All projects must meet aim of the programme Outcomes of individuals are monitored

General Information & Criteria Total project costs no more than £12,000 Grants are available up to 100% Minimum grant = £1,000 Maximum grant = £12,000 pa Project must not have started and should not be longer than 12 months

General Information & Criteria Must demonstrate local need and demand Must be new activity Projects must benefit the target individuals Progression of individuals must be demonstrated

Progression outcomes? Types of expected outcomes are: –People in work after leaving the programme –People undertaking further learning or job search activity –People with improved work related skills e.g. improved confidence, time keeping, literacy etc

Key Features of the Fund Support provided both pre and post application Regular decision making meetings – bi monthly/quarterly Payments in stages – and linked to evidence of spend and submission of monitoring information Encouraging use of other progression routes e.g. next step

EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS

My top tips Be clear about who you are helping, why and how. Read everything carefully – helpnotes, contracts etc If you’re not sure – ASK! Be prepared to fill in lots of paperwork – this is EU money! It’s a lot easier if you do it as you go along rather than wait until the end!

Next Steps? Decide whether the CGP is right for you and your project. Watch out for information about the programme If you’re interested – give me your contact details

My contact details Catherine Roberts Fund Manager Business and Skills Directorate Cornwall Development Company Tel: