Deadline: 04-Jun-2026
The Activity Grant is a community funding programme designed to strengthen local organisations working to improve employability and social mobility outcomes.
It supports initiatives that help individuals gain skills, access employment, and overcome barriers linked to disadvantage.
Core Objectives of the Programme
The grant aims to:
- Improve employability and workforce readiness
- Support skills development for young people
- Help adults return to work through upskilling
- Assist individuals facing multiple disadvantages
- Strengthen social mobility in local communities
- Build more resilient and capable community organisations
Priority Focus Areas
The programme prioritises organisations working in:
- Youth employability and skills training
- Adult reskilling and workforce reintegration
- Support for disadvantaged or excluded groups
- Community-based employment readiness programmes
- Local initiatives addressing deprivation and inequality
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must:
- Be not-for-profit organisations
- Be located within approximately 10 miles of specified sites
- Operate in York, Harrogate, Northallerton, or Ilkley areas
- Have a strong understanding of local community needs
- Work directly with disadvantaged populations or deprived areas
Eligible Locations Include
- Near Bettys Café Tea Rooms
- Near Bettys & Taylors head office sites
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: up to £3,000
- Duration: 12 months
- Expected awards: limited number per funding round
- Target group: small organisations with turnover under £500,000
Funding Structure
The programme has two strands:
- Small Grants (annual funding up to £3,000)
- Organisational Development Grants (multi-year support for capacity building)
The Activity Grant refers specifically to the Small Grants strand.
Eligible Activities
Funding can support:
- Employability training programmes
- Skills development workshops
- Job readiness initiatives
- Support services for disadvantaged groups
- Community-based learning activities
- Projects improving access to employment opportunities
Selection Priorities
Applications are assessed based on:
- Clear understanding of community needs
- Direct impact on employability or social mobility
- Focus on disadvantaged or underserved groups
- Geographic relevance to eligible areas
- Feasibility and short-term deliverability
- Organisational capacity and sustainability
Why the Programme Matters
The Activity Grant is important because it:
- Strengthens local employment pathways
- Supports communities facing deprivation
- Builds skills for long-term economic inclusion
- Helps small organisations expand their impact
- Encourages social mobility at the community level
- Improves workforce readiness in vulnerable groups
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying from outside the 10-mile eligible radius
- Weak connection to employability or skills development
- Submitting overly large or complex projects
- Lack of focus on disadvantaged groups
- Ignoring organisational size or turnover limits
- Vague or unclear community need justification
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define the employment or skills gap being addressed
- Focus on measurable outcomes (jobs, training completions)
- Demonstrate strong local community insight
- Keep the project realistic for a 12-month timeframe
- Highlight impact on disadvantaged participants
- Align closely with social mobility objectives
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Activity Grant?
A small grant programme supporting employability and skills development initiatives in Yorkshire communities.
How much funding is available?
Up to £3,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit organisations within 10 miles of specified Bettys & Taylors sites.
What types of projects are supported?
Employability, training, and social mobility initiatives.
What is the funding duration?
Up to 12 months.
Is there an organisational size limit?
Yes, organisations must typically have a turnover under £500,000.
Conclusion
The Activity Grant supports small, local not-for-profit organisations in Yorkshire working to improve employability and social mobility. By funding skills development and workforce readiness initiatives, it helps disadvantaged communities build stronger pathways into sustainable employment and long-term economic inclusion.
For more information, visit Two Ridings Community Foundation.
