Overview

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is funding this programme as part of the learning and skills offer for adult residents of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The programme seeks to provide initial support for people experiencing disadvantage to enable them to go on to take up other learning opportunities (including lifelong learning and existing adult education provision), apply for employment or a volunteer role, or make positive steps towards these aspirations.

The deadline for submission of applications is 01 May 2025. Outcomes will be shared in late July and projects may deliver learning activities from September 2025 to April 2026.

Who can apply?
Non-profit organisations
Maximum grant
£5,000 to £25,000
Eligible area
Cambridgeshire (including Peterborough)
Deadlines
1 May

Fund criteria

Read the Fund Guidance for more detailed tips

Who can apply? 
Local voluntary and community sector organisations which meet CCF requirements. Organisations which are already in receipt of funding from the Adult Education Budget are not eligible.

Who can benefit?
Project participants must be aged 19 years or over and be living in Cambridgeshire (this includes Peterborough) with an eligible residency status.

How much? 
Applicants may apply for funding between £5,000 to £25,000. We are looking for a broad selection of projects and would encourage smaller bids as well as larger. Larger applications will be paid in two instalments: see detailed guidance.

Where?
Projects working in the most deprived wards across Cambridgeshire, as well as those engaging with people who experience most disadvantage in terms of their ability to access learning and training.

How long?
Applicants will have up to eight months from September 2025 to the end of April 2026 to deliver activities with participants.

What activities can we apply for?
Eligible project activity could range from bespoke group training courses which respond to identified local needs, to engagement activities or creative skills sessions to encourage people facing isolation or other barriers, or 121 mentoring/onward signposting to other opportunities.  See guidance for expectations and reporting requirements.

NB The programme cannot support projects which are only delivering ESOL or other adult learning courses that can already be accessed free for eligible residents, such as functional skills qualifications.

 

Apply for a grant

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