Open Call: Hampshire Old Industrial and Reformatory Schools Fund (UK)

Deadline: 26-Oct-2026

The Hampshire Old Industrial and Reformatory Schools Fund provides grants to care-experienced young people aged 18–25 to support education, training, and employment. Funding covers essential equipment, travel, and course-related costs, with grants up to £500, or higher in exceptional cases. Applicants must demonstrate how the funding supports their career or educational progression and provide a reference from a relevant advisor.

Programme Overview

The Hampshire Old Industrial and Reformatory Schools Fund supports care-experienced young people in their transition to education, employment, and training. The fund focuses on enhancing employability, skills development, and career progression through targeted financial support.

The programme specifically assists care-experienced individuals who are:

• Moving into further or higher education

• Enrolling in vocational training, apprenticeships, or internships

• Starting or progressing in employment or related extracurricular activities

• Working toward nationally recognised qualifications relevant to chosen careers

Funding Opportunities

The programme includes two primary funding streams:

1. Hampshire Old Industrial and Reformatory Schools Fund

• Grant Amount: Up to £500, higher awards in exceptional circumstances

• Purpose: Support education, training, or employment-related expenses

• Eligible Costs: Textbooks, tools, laptops, course materials, and public transport (with subsidised travel schemes)

2. MACE Fund

• Grant Amount: Up to £400, higher awards in exceptional circumstances

• Purpose: Support care-experienced students in higher education, particularly courses in drama or poetry, but also eligible for other subjects

• Eligible Costs: Equipment, study materials, travel directly related to the course

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be aged 18–25

• Currently or previously in care with Hampshire County Council

• Reside in Hampshire (excluding Portsmouth and Southampton) or have lived in Hampshire previously

• Have an offer or placement in education, training, or employment

• Provide a reference letter from a Hampshire County Council Personal Advisor, social worker, or youth worker

Note: Only one grant per applicant is allowed within a 12-month period.

What Costs Are Covered?

Eligible costs include:

• Essential equipment such as textbooks, tools, laptops

• Travel expenses for commuting to education or employment (with railcards or subsidised travel schemes)

• Course-related materials or resources

Ineligible Costs:

• Retrospective expenses

• Projects or travel outside the UK

• Activities promoting political or religious themes

How to Apply

1. Obtain a reference letter from a Personal Advisor, social worker, or youth worker.

2. Complete the application form, demonstrating how funding will support educational or employment progression.

3. Submit the application online or via post before the deadline: 26 October 2026.

4. Allow 4–6 weeks for a decision.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain how the grant will support your education, training, or employment

• Provide detailed costs for items, travel, or course materials

• Ensure your reference letter clearly confirms your care-experienced status

• Apply early to allow time for verification and processing

FAQs

1. Who can apply for these grants?
   Care-experienced young people aged 18–25 who are or have been in the care of Hampshire County Council.

2. Can applicants living outside Hampshire apply?
   Only if they previously lived in Hampshire and hold or have been offered a place in education, training, or employment.

3. What types of costs are eligible for funding?
   Essential course materials, equipment, and subsidised travel related to education or employment.

4. Can I receive multiple grants in one year?
   No, each applicant may receive only one grant within a 12-month period.

5. Are political or religious activities funded?
   No, grants do not cover activities promoting political or religious themes.

6. How long does it take to receive a decision?
   Typically four to six weeks from submission.

7. Is additional funding available in exceptional circumstances?
   Yes, higher grant awards may be considered for both funds if justified.

Conclusion

The Hampshire Old Industrial and Reformatory Schools Fund and the MACE Fund offer crucial financial support for care-experienced young people to successfully pursue education, training, and employment. By covering essential resources and travel, these programmes empower young adults to develop skills, gain qualifications, and progress in their careers, ensuring meaningful opportunities for future success.

For more information, visit HIWCF.