Community organisations urged to apply for new funding
Community and voluntary groups supporting Ashfield residents get back into work are being urged to apply for a grant.
The Transform your Future: Digital Infrastructure Grant scheme is designed to support organisations and projects with their digital needs to allow them to support more people in finding work.
Transform your Future, funded by Ashfield District Council’s allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, is a programme supporting employability which is open to all residents living in Ashfield who are not working and not receiving benefits that require them to look for a job.
The Digital Infrastructure Grant scheme is part of this programme. It is aimed at giving community venues in the District a new lease of life. These venues will allow for residents who are not working to access these improved spaces within their community so they can improve their skills to increase their chances of finding a job.
The maximum grant award is £2500 per organisation and this can be used towards:
- Broadband connectivity and networking
- Devices (PCs, Laptops, Tablets, etc)
- New or improved software.
- Licenses
- Accreditations.
- Ancillary accessories and equipment
- IT Suite Furniture
Futures Advice, Skills, and Employment Ltd will be administering this grant scheme on behalf of Ashfield District Council. Grant applicants must be able to show evidence of being able to host the Transform your Future programme as well as other employment and skills provision in their centres with newly improved digital infrastructure.
The Digital Infrastructure Grant application window is now open and will close on Friday 15 November 2024. Organisations are advised to read the grant specification document thoroughly, along with the Application Guidance before submitting an application.
Deputy Leader Cllr Helen-Ann Smith said:
“These grants will help many people across Ashfield to upskill and improve their CV. We are delighted to be able to offer this funding to improve our community venues and what they have to offer. It will make a really difference in our communities.
“We would urge anyone who could benefit from this grant to fill out an application or get in touch if they have any questions.”
Jennie Willock, Chief Executive Officer at Futures, said:
“We are delighted to be working with Ashfield District Council to deliver this Digital Infrastructure Grant, making a real difference to the area’s community and voluntary sector. The grant will also directly support the valuable work we do on the Ashfield Transform your Future programme, helping beneficiaries of that scheme gain access to the support and tools they need within their local community”.
For further information about how to access this support, please contact:
- website: Ashfield digital infrastructure grant
- email: alerts@futuresadvice.org
Funding for the programme has been awarded from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) - a government fund with the primary goal of building pride in local communities and increasing life chances as part of the Levelling Up agenda. The fund aims to improve health outcomes, support high quality skills training, and increase pay, employment, and business growth in local areas.
