Community Foundation for Merseyside in partnership with Merseyside Expanding Horizons (MEH) and Merseyside Disability Federation (MDF) has launched this new programme, which is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF).  

Purpose:
ECF encourages groups and organisations within the community, voluntary and faith sector to help target worklessness and progress individuals towards employment.  There is no requirement to provide employment directly but you must show how your intervention will support them towards the labour market.

The programme also encourages social integration and grassroots community work that helps those at greatest disadvantage who would not usually access European Social Funding through mainstream services.  It aims to break down barriers to employment, boost confidence, self-esteem and help people to develop useable skills, including young people at school leaving age who are not in employment education or training (NEET).

Applications are welcomed from organisations working with excluded groups – such as disabled people, people with health conditions, lone parents, over 50's, black and minority ethnic communities.

Area: Merseyside (Sefton; Knowsley; Liverpool; Wirral; St. Helens)

Who Can Apply:

• Groups/organisations which are set up for charitable purposes.
• Applicants whose work benefits people in the boroughs of Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St. Helens or Wirral.
• Locally managed organisations, having a local committee with control over their own finances.
• Social enterprises and Community Interest Companies (CIC), where activities are of a charitable nature.

Grant Range: Grants of up to £12,000 per year

How to Apply: Merseyside Expanding Horizons and Merseyside Disability Federation will provide advice and support to applicants.  You must contact one of these support agencies prior to applying (see contact details below).  Application packs are only available from these organisations.

When to Apply (Deadlines): The next deadline for receipt of applications is 28^th January 2011.

Contact Details:

Grant Administration
Community Foundation for Merseyside
Tel: (0151) 966 3591
Website: www.cfmerseyside.org.uk

Advice & Support Agencies
Merseyside Expanding Horizons
Alison Hunt, Project Support Officer
Tel: (0151) 330 0552
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Merseyside Disability Federation
Tel: (0151) 291 9570
Email: www.merseydisability.org.uk/home.php

Source: Merseyside Expanding Horizons