National Grid supporting Shropshire organisations with grants of up to £5,000

The company's Community Matters Fund are offering grants up to £5,000 to charities and community organisations in the county who are supporting people who face barriers to enter the workforce.

The distribution network is looking to support the development of key professional skills, through classes in literacy, numeracy, or IT, and networking and placements such as work experience or shadowing.

National Grid is also looking to help boost employability through supporting CV masterclasses and interview coaching, and people who are returning to work after a long-term absence.

Applications for the scheme opened on June 19 and close on Friday, July 12.

Registered charities and non-profit companies can apply for up to £5,000, while unregistered community organisations can apply for up to £2,000.

Each year, National Grid’s Community Matters Fund supports the work of community groups and charities based on varying themes. The company has previously helped those tackling fuel poverty.

Since 2021, the company's Community Matters Fund has donated more than £10.5 million across the South West, South Wales and the Midlands.

The electricity and gas utility company say they are keen to see a range of groups benefit from its £250,000 fund, such as '16 to 25-year-olds not in full-time education, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and ex-offenders'.

National Grid’s Community Engagement Manager, Ellie Patey, said: "Significant barriers keep some groups from easily accessing employment opportunities and joining the world of work.

"National Grid understands the huge potential that exists to upskill and support these under-represented groups and is firmly committed to unlocking this untapped talent.

"We’re keen to see applications from Shropshire support groups that deliver practical, focussed programmes to boost skills and improve employability for those furthest from the job market."