QFutures

Introduction

QFutures is generously supported by Quickline, specialist broadband providers to rural communities. This fund will work with organisations committed to improving pathways to employment, and support to keep individuals in employment, aged 30+ across South Yorkshire.

For groups working with young people under 30, please see the sister fund to this: Moving on Up.

How much can I apply for?

Up to £5,000 is available for one-off project work to be spent within 12 months of grant received.

Multi-year funding is also available, up to £5,000 per year for three years meaning a total grant of £15,000.

What do we want to fund?

This fund will work with organisations committed to improving pathways to employment, and support to keep individuals in employment, aged 30+ across South Yorkshire.

Initial preference will be to those working in rural communities in Doncaster and Rotherham but we are keen to support groups across the region. Grants can fund a one-off or continuing project, and can also be for core costs if your organisation's charitable purpose is to improve employability for people.

Please see the Guidance Notes attached for full eligibility criteria.

Based on consultation with local employers, partners and community organisations, we understand that supporting people into productive and rewarding employment needs a range of approaches, from pre-employability, pathways into work, and supporting people to stay in work so your activity should be based on one or more of these criteria.

Due to the timescales of the fund, projects should not start before 1st May 2025.

What can I spend the money on?

The grant funding is focused on project costs including operating and revenue costs.

If your application includes staff costs, we encourage you to pay at least the real Living Wage.

Don’t forget to include a fair share of overheads like rent or room hire, utilities, and admin or management costs needed to support your project.

For more information about how to develop a project budget, see this SYFAB information sheet.

Where relevant, we expect you to shop around to find the best value for money.  For any individual items costing over £200 we’ll expect you to attach a quote to your application.

How do I apply?

Please complete the online application form linked below, please read the Guidance Notes before completing the form to be sure you meet the eligibility criteria.

The deadline for applications is 9am, Monday 17th February 2025.

Please also make sure you attach any requested, relevant supporting documentation.

Note that this fund will run in two rounds for 2025 so if you are unable to make the deadline for this round, there will be another opportunity to apply from April.