COMMUNITIES in Worcestershire are being urged to tap into a lottery skills fund before it's too late.
The initiative Building Better Opportunities brings together money from the Big Lottery Fund and the European Social Fund 2014-2020 to provide joint investment in local projects that tackle poverty and promote social economic inclusion.
A total of £3,320,000 is available for the Worcestershire project, which is open to voluntary, community and social enterprise groups, but the deadline for applications is noon on Monday, August 3. The project is part of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership's remit to ensure businesses, local government, third sector, higher and further education work together with a common, shared purpose – to create the conditions for economic growth, increasing prosperity and delivering the 10-year Strategic Economic Plan for Worcestershire.
Gary Woodman, executive director at the Worcestershire LEP, said: “It is fantastic news that the Big Lottery Fund is matching the funds from the European Social Fund. The money available for Worcestershire will be of huge benefit to local partnerships and organisations to help provide access to skills training and support working alongside local employers. This in turn will provide further access into jobs and consequently benefit local people and grow the economy.
“I would urge any parties interested in delivering this support for local people and communities to visit the website at the earliest opportunity to find out more and apply ahead of the deadline.”
Grant competitions are open and competitive and any organisation is eligible to apply, however most of the projects will be better suited to partnership working. Full details of all the projects outlined in this round are available at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/esf as well as details of how to apply for this current round of funding by the deadline of noon on August 3. Links are also available on the Worcestershire LEP’s website at www.wlep.co.uk
Further funding opportunities will be available in Autumn 2015.
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