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Real money. Real help. Real change.

Supporting further education and skills

We offer financial support to learners, staff and education providers, with the goal of expanding access to education, accelerating social mobility and building a fairer society.

The foundation is funded by

Who qualifies for funding?

Grants are available to learners and staff at Silver, Gold and Platinum members of the Skills and Education Group. If you are not sure if your organisation is a member, browse our map of member organisations.

Our grants

Learner Grants Group Experience

Up to £1,000 to applicants who have identified a group experience that relates to course content, employment prospects or relevant skills development

OPENING IN 2025

Lisa Taylor of Shipley College used the grant to visit The National Childrens Museum with 40 of her Level 1 Childcare students

Tom Hamilton-Dick Bursary

A £1,500 bursary for a film, tv or media studies learner who can demonstrate their commitment to the subject in challenging circumstances

OPENING IN 2025

Learning Environment Improvement Grants

Up to £2,500 to deliver material improvements at learning providers

OPENING IN 2025

At York College, teacher Mandy Hardy led the building of a sensory garden to provide students a peaceful and calming environment.

Our grants are making a real difference.

  • The Ability Counts football team have taken part in a regional and national tournament. … [and bought] some training equipment and footballs. … I can’t fully explain what a difference you have made to my learners.

    – Damian, Tutor at Shipley College; applicant for a Learner Grant recipient

  • I have had two injuries so haven’t been able to get into college often, but because of the laptop I have been able to get work done at home.

    – Stephanie, Learner Grant recipient

  • As a learner with disabilities, a main barrier to participation is access to transport. … I needed extra time to practice with my course support worker. … They applied for a grant on my behalf to cover some of those costs. … I have applied the learning to my personal life, and this has strengthened my desire to continue to overcome barriers.

    – Janice, Learner Grant recipient

  • Just to say a massive thank you to all involved, with securing the funding for the new barista machine for the food court. It is so much better than the department and learners had hoped for.

    - Adrian Walker-Slade, Senior Learning Lead: Food & Visitor Economy Boston College, Resource & Facilities Recepient

  • The students have enjoyed using the new equipment during the impromptu musical jam after the instruments were opened, they have also begun to use them in their sessions.

    – Jemma Wood, Programme Area Manager: Supported Learning, Leicester College

We’re here for learners and education providers.

Social mobility begins with equal opportunity to learn, train and participate. Together, we can all make a real difference.

READ OUR IMPACT REPORT