Voluntary and community groups in Reading are being encouraged to bid for funding to help locals gain employment skills.

The Small Grants Fund, managed by Reading Borough Council, aims to support projects that equip residents with the skills and practical knowledge needed to access jobs and volunteering opportunities.

With £150,000 up for grabs, groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 for projects that focus on education, training, and skill development, primarily in areas of the town where there is a significant need.

The fund is a part of the council's initiative to tackle inequality in Reading, a town that they say is 'of contrasts where not all residents enjoy the same life chances.'

The grants are available for grassroots voluntary sector organisations that have received less than £20,000 in support from the council during 2023/24.

Some of the funds will be specifically reserved for bids of less than £2,500, aimed at providing direct support to smaller activities.

Funding will only be awarded to projects or activities that address an unmet need of Reading residents and cannot be funded through other sources.

This includes one-off events, the coordination of events, minor start-up costs, purchasing equipment, or sessional costs and programme costs.

Applications for the Small Grants Fund are now open and should be submitted using the Reading Small Grants Fund 2024/25 Grant Application Form on the council's website by December 13.

Successful applicants will be notified by the first week of March 2025.

Councillor Liz Terry, leader of Reading Borough Council, said: "This year’s Small Grants Fund therefore focuses on helping to build self-sufficiency in some of our communities who do not have access to the same opportunities as others.

"The practical route to access those opportunities is through skills, education and training, as well as opportunities to volunteer or participate in activities, and we welcome bids from groups across Reading who operate smaller scale activities in our communities."

Councillor Ellie Emberson, lead for corporate services and resources, added: "Reading boasts an unrivalled community and voluntary sector who retain the ability to reach individuals and communities which the council would otherwise find difficult to.

"Within the sector, we know there are smaller groups which may not have necessarily accessed these grants previously and this year’s process has been especially tailored to invite bids from them.

"You only need to look at the incredible breadth and variety of activities which were delivered as part of last year’s Small Grants Fund scheme to understand why it remains such an important project, particularly in parts of the town where need is greatest."