Funding available to help communities access skills and employment opportunities

The East Midlands Freeport Skills and Community Equity Fund opened for applications on 9 September 2026, with organisations able to apply until 5pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026.

The Fund aims to ensure local communities benefit from the investment and employment opportunities being created through East Midlands Freeport.

Funding is available for projects that strengthen skills and employability, raise aspirations and help remove barriers to training and work.

Applications are particularly welcomed from organisations working with young people, underrepresented groups, people furthest from the labour market and communities experiencing disadvantage.

Projects could include employability support, technical or transferable skills training, activities that raise aspirations, or practical support to tackle barriers such as transport, health, confidence and digital exclusion.

The Fund will also prioritise projects that take support directly into communities and respond to growing skills needs in sectors including engineering, logistics, clean energy, digital and advanced manufacturing.

Projects must benefit people, communities or employers within Derbyshire, Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire. Organisations based outside the three counties can also apply where they can demonstrate that the funded activity and its beneficiaries will be located within the area.

Funding available

Two types of grants are available in this funding round:

• Standard grants of up to £50,000 for time-limited projects focused on areas such as training, upskilling, employability and raising aspirations.
• Strategic grants for longer-term or potentially multi-year projects supporting the Freeport’s wider skills and community objectives. These awards may exceed £50,000 but will be subject to additional approval.

Micro grants are not available in this funding round but will be open for applications in the next round.

Constituted voluntary and community-sector organisations and charities that are able to enter into a grant agreement and manage public funding responsibly are encouraged to apply.

Partnership applications are also welcome, provided one organisation acts as the accountable lead.

Meet the Funder sessions

Organisations interested in applying can book and attend one of three Meet the Funder sessions to learn more and ask questions:

• Wednesday 16 September 2026, 1.30pm to 4.30pm – Dryden Centre, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ
• Friday 18 September 2026, 9.30am to 12.30pm – Coalville C.A.N. (CAN HQ), Memorial Square, Coalville, LE67 3TU
• Friday 18 September 2026, 2pm to 4.30pm – Medical Technologies Innovation Facility, Clifton Lane, Clifton, Nottingham, NG11 8NS

How to apply

Applications are open now and must be submitted by 5pm on Tuesday 6 October 2026.

Organisations should read the full application guidance and eligibility criteria before applying.

Find out more and read the application guidance:
https://www.emfreeport.com/skills-and-community-equity-fund/

Download the application form:
https://www.emfreeport.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Skills-and-Communities-Equity-Fund-Application-Form-Editable.pdf

Completed applications and any questions about the Fund or Meet the Funder sessions should be sent to info@emfreeport.com.

9 September 2026