Groundwork has partnered with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) to deliver the North East Economic Inactivity Trailblazer VCSE Small Grants Programme.
With a total fund of £800,000, the scheme offers grants of £40,000 to £70,000 to local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations. The funding aims to support community-led initiatives that engage economically inactive residents, address core barriers, and create pathways toward employment, education, skills, and training.
Key Details & Deadlines
- Grants available: £40,000 – £70,000
- Deadline: 11:59 PM on Thursday 20 August 2026
- Project completion deadline: 31 March 2027
- Online Info Session: Friday 7 August 2026 at 11:00 AM (Registration required)
Eligibility Criteria
Applications are open to VCSE entities based and working within Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, or Sunderland, with particular encouragement for groups operating in areas with limited existing support.
To apply, organisations must meet the following criteria:
- Annual turnover capped at £1 million.
- Possess a constitution or set of governing rules.
- Have at least two unrelated board or committee members.
- Hold a bank account in the organisation’s name.
- Demonstrate evidence of past delivery in similar programmes.
- Show adequate staffing capacity and immediate mobilisation readiness.
- Have an identified cohort of participants ready to engage at project launch.
Eligible Target Groups & Project Scope
Funded projects must assist individuals who are over 16, currently out of work, and classified as economically inactive (not actively seeking work within the last 4 weeks and/or unavailable to start within 2 weeks). Participants should be experiencing health, skill, caring, or social barriers to employment.
Priority target groups include:
- Women & Carers
- Young people (aged 16–24)
- Neurodivergent or disabled individuals
- People experiencing poor mental or physical health
- Social housing tenants
- Residents in high-deprivation or limited-access areas
How to Apply
- Visit: North East Economic Inactivity Trailblazer VCSE Small Grants programme – Groundwork website
- Review Guidance: Read the Application Notes carefully to understand full programme requirements.
- Check Eligibility: Complete the online Eligibility Checker. Successful applicants will automatically receive the link to the official application form.
- Submit: Complete and submit your application before the deadline on Thursday 20 August 2026 at 11:59 PM.