Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
The Wiltshire Community Foundation has launched its Vocational Support Grant Program for individuals aged between 14 and 24 to support the costs of studying vocational subjects at school, college or sixth form or for training through an apprenticeship.
The focus areas include the full cost or a contribution towards educational resources or equipment for the course, training or qualification, IT equipment, course-related study or field trips, and travel costs in some circumstances. They can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 to support an education or training need.
Eligible applicants must be studying a vocational course of any length, including access courses, traineeships, supported internships, and apprenticeships at school, college, sixth form, university, or through another training provider. Applicants must have lived in Wiltshire or Swindon for at least two years, and either they or their family must receive one means-tested benefit, or they must be in the care of the local authority.
Means-tested benefits include Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Tax Credits, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Income Support. The amount of income and capital can affect eligibility.
Applicants are required to provide detailed contact information for themselves and, if under 18, for their parent or guardian. They must also outline their personal and family circumstances, including household composition, any disabilities, and employment status and income of parents or guardians. The education section requires information about current studies or vocational training, the course being undertaken or planned, its length and level, career aspirations, and a referee who can provide a supporting reference.
In the grant request section, applicants must specify the items they wish to purchase or the activities they want to fund, providing costs and, where possible, website links or supplier details. Grants are generally paid directly to a third party or organization on the applicant’s behalf. Requests for IT equipment will be sourced through one of their education IT suppliers according to standard specifications, with consideration given for specialist equipment or software required for disability or specific courses. Applicants are encouraged to explain why the grant is needed, how it will impact their studies and family, and any other funding already received.
Supporting evidence must be provided, including proof of address, age, means-tested benefits, parental income, and enrolment at a school, college, university, or training provider. After submission, applicants will receive confirmation within five working days and may be contacted for a conversation to discuss the application.
Decisions are made by their education grant panel during meetings in November, January, and March, with applicants notified within ten days. If awarded, applicants complete an online grant acceptance form, and payments are generally made directly to the third party. Follow-up contact will occur approximately six months after the grant to assess its impact.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2025.
For more information, visit Wiltshire Community Foundation.
