Charities and community organisations are being encouraged to attend East Midlands Freeport’s Meet the Funder sessions to find out more about applying for grants of up to £50,000.
The Skills and Community Equity Fund will support practical, positive projects that help local people develop skills, raise aspirations and overcome barriers to training, employment and new opportunities.
As investment and job opportunities grow across the Freeport area, the Fund aims to make sure local communities can share in the benefits.
The Meet the Funder sessions, taking place next week, will give organisations the opportunity to learn more about the Skills and Community Equity Fund, discuss potential project ideas and ask questions before submitting an application.
Two types of grants are available:
- Standard grants of up to £50,000 are available for time-limited projects, focussed on areas such as training, upskilling, employability and raising aspirations.
- Strategic grants can support longer-term or potentially multi-year projects that contribute to the Freeport’s skills and community objectives and may exceed £50,000, subject to additional approval.
The Meet the Funder sessions are a useful opportunity for organisations to better understand what the Fund is looking for, whether their idea is eligible and how a proposal could demonstrate real local need and impact.
The sessions are open to organisations at any stage of the application process, whether they have a fully developed proposal, are exploring an early idea or just want to understand more about the opportunity.
Projects could include employability support, technical or transferable-skills training, aspiration-raising activities for young people, or practical support that helps people overcome barriers such as transport, health, confidence or digital exclusion.
East Midlands Freeport is particularly keen to hear from organisations supporting young people, underrepresented groups, people furthest from the labour market and communities facing disadvantage.
Tom Newman-Taylor, Chief Executive, East Midlands Freeport, said: “Community organisations understand the challenges, strengths and opportunities in their local areas better than anyone.
“These sessions are a chance to discuss your ideas, ask questions and find out how the Skills and Community Equity Fund could help turn them into practical projects that make a real difference. We want to hear from organisations working with people and communities who could benefit most from the opportunities being created through the Freeport.”
Projects must benefit people, communities or employers within Derbyshire. Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Organisations based outside these areas may apply where they can clearly demonstrate that the funded activities and intended beneficiaries are located within the three counties.
The Meet the Funder events are:
- Wednesday 16 September, 1.30pm-4.30pm
Dryden Centre, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ - Friday 18 September, 9.30am-12.30pm
Coalville C.A.N. (CAN HQ), Memorial Square, Coalville, LE67 3TU - Friday 18 September, 2pm-4.30pm
Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, Clifton Lane, Clifton, Nottingham, NG11 8NS
If your organisation has an idea that could help local people build skills, access opportunity and take the next step towards employment, come along to a Meet the Funder session before applying. Read the full guidance and eligibility criteria, download the application form, or email info@emfreeport.com with any questions.
Applications are open now and must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026.