Charities, voluntary and community organisations have less than a week left to apply for funding to help local people develop skills, overcome barriers and access new opportunities.
East Midlands Freeport is reminding eligible organisations across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire that applications for the latest round of its Skills and Community Equity Fund close at 5pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
The Fund supports practical, community-led projects that help people build skills and confidence, raise aspirations and access clearer routes into education, training and employment.
Two types of grants are available:
- Standard grants, providing up to £50,000 for time-limited projects focused on areas such as training, upskilling, employability and raising aspirations.
- Strategic grants, supporting longer-term or potentially multi-year projects that contribute to the Freeport’s skills and community objectives. Strategic awards may exceed £50,000 but will be subject to additional approval.
East Midlands Freeport is particularly keen to hear from organisations with ideas that can support people facing barriers to opportunity, strengthen employability, widen access to skills and create positive outcomes for communities across the region.
The Fund is already helping to deliver practical benefits for local people.
Previous projects have included Primary Engineer programmes that have enabled more than 2,200 pupils across the region to explore engineering through hands-on activities, creative problem-solving and engagement with industry professionals.
Funding has also supported Road to Logistics, helping unemployed people access Category C HGV driver training, wraparound support and direct connections to employers. So far, 10 people have enrolled on the programme, five have passed their practical HGV driving test and three have moved into work.
Emma Chouhan, Skills and Communities Lead at East Midlands Freeport, said: “There is now just one week left for organisations to apply to the Skills and Community Equity Fund.
“We’re looking for practical, community-led ideas that can make a genuine difference to people’s lives – whether that means helping someone develop new skills, building confidence, raising aspirations or creating a clearer route into work.
“The projects we have supported so far show the value of investing in local people and local organisations. From helping young people see a future in engineering to supporting people into logistics careers, these initiatives are creating real opportunities across the East Midlands.
“We would encourage eligible charities, voluntary organisations and community groups with a strong idea to read the guidance and submit an application before the deadline.”
Organisations can find full eligibility information, application guidance and supporting documents here.
Complete the application form and submit it to info@emfreeport.com. Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026.