A total of £600,000 of European money is being made available to voluntary or charitable projects throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to help disadvantaged or excluded people improve their job prospects.

Funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) through the European Social Fund (ESF), the Community Grants programme aims to support small, not-for-profit organisations offering a range of activities to unemployed people aged sixteen and over. Those activities may include providing work experience, training advice and guidance, initial help with basic skills, job searching, confidence building and personal development. Each organisation can apply for grants worth between £1,000 and £12,000 for each of the projects they are running.

Applications are considered by a panel of assessors drawn from the LSC, Cornwall Rural Community Council, the Cornwall Community Foundation and Cornwall Enterprise.

“This is a brand new programme that will offer invaluable financial help to the many small organisations that are working with local communities at a grass roots level,” said Mark Williams, ESF Skills Development Director for the LSC. “Grants can be awarded for a wide variety of projects – like those using arts and crafts to build confidence, those running a community café or those providing fun activities for lone parents whilst also helping them with CV writing, interview skills or personal presentation.

“We can’t fund running costs or salaries but the grants can be used for things like buying computers, childcare, materials, sports equipment, transport costs or venue hire. The ultimate aim is to help people overcome the personal barriers that are preventing them from getting work and developing their self confidence.”

Catherine Roberts, Fund Manager for Cornwall Enterprise, said: “The Community Grants programme is a great opportunity for groups to access funding for projects to support learning and personal development for those people who are most at need.

“We are excited to be working with our partners the Cornwall Community Foundation and the Cornwall Rural Community Council in delivering this important programme for the communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

For more information on how to apply for a grant, visit www.cornwallfoundation.com