This grant via Somerset Community Foundation can be used to pay for the cost of a course, to buy a laptop, tools or clothing, and pay for transport costs.
These costs must be linked to a recognised educational or training course (excluding higher education) or apprenticeship that you’re currently in or want to start in the next couple of months. You can also apply for costs that help you to start a new job if you’re currently unemployed. You’ll need to tell them what you need help paying for in your application form.
Please note, they generally don’t support applications for the cost of degree level study (or higher education).
To apply, you need to be:
- aged 16 to 30
- living in the counties of Somerset, North Somerset or BANES
- about to start, or already in training (for example a college course), or an apprenticeship, or starting work after a period of unemployment
- in need of some help with the cost of essential things for training or employment, an apprenticeship or starting a new job.
If you meet the above criteria, they would like to hear from you, regardless of your background or how well you did in education.
The fund is open all year round. Decisions are made every month and you will be told if you have been successful or not within two months if sending us your application. The deadline for applying for the monthly meeting is the 7th of each month.
You are more likely to be successful if:
- you have a clear financial need, such as living in a low income household
- you are experiencing other challenges to accessing training and employment, such as having a disability.