Other sources of funding

There are a number of different funding sources available for social care employers for workforce development, education, training or assessment, and for individuals wanting to access funding for their own training.

It is the responsibility of the individual to directly contact the funding body, and to thoroughly check the criteria for eligibility when using the Skills for Care signposts to potential sources of skills funding.

Below are details of different funding sources available at present, the focus of which is directly linked to funding for skills:
June 2012 funding information

This information is updated regularly. To keep up to date with the sources of skills funding available, register for our enews (issued every two weeks) by emailing marketing@skillsforcare.org.uk or keep visiting www.skillsforcare.org.uk/funding 

For more information contact Skills for Care Information Line, 0113 241 1275, info@skillsforcare.org.uk

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National funding

Grants and bursaries
Depending on the learners circumstances and the learning they wish to undertake they may be able to get funding through a grant or bursary. Grants do not have to be paid back and bursaries are similar but are usually linked to a particular career (e.g. social work) or type of course.

Fifty plus in-work training grant - If you have someone aged 50 or over that has previously been out of work they may be able to get a grant to help with work related training costs.

Educational Grants Advisory service (EGAS) - Some charities and trusts can offer financial help. EGAS provide information and advice on sources of funding through their helpline and website. Call the helpline for more information on 02072417459.

Useful publications to identify grants and bursaries that are available in libraries are:

• Educational Grants Directory
• Charities Digest
• Grants Register
• Directory of Grant making trusts

European Funding (EU)
There is a wide range of EU funding available to organisations engaged in education, training and/or other learning and development activities.

These sources of funding usually focus on economic and social priorities like employment and workforce development. Not all funding streams are about skills development but you may be able to include workforce development as part of a wider bid.

European Funding streams include Erasmus, Gruntvig, Leonardo De Vinci and Comenius. This type of funding usually requires partners from EU countries. There is information on each website about what has been funded in the past to help you to develop your own ideas.

The Government will be distributing income contingent loans aimed at all learners aged 23 or over wanting to do a level 3 or above qualification. The loans will be similar to the loans given to university students and will cover the cost of a course up to the value of £4,000.

The loans will be payable on completion of the learning once the learner is earning £21,000 or more per annum.

Skills for Care is interested in your views on this. Please email info@skillsforcare.org.uk for more information or comments.

Professional and career development loans
Some learners may be able to apply for professional and career development loans to undertake learning. These loans are given by high street banks at a lower interest rate. The loans are payable one month after learning has taken place in the interim the interest is paid by the Skills Funding Agency. The learner makes an agreement with a participating bank to borrow an amount between £300 and £10,000. Interest rates on the loans are set so they're competitive with other 'unsecured' personal loans that are commercially available.

Be the Boss Programme (Department of Business, Innovation and Skills)
A grant of up to £7,500 or a loan of up to £30,000 to UK service leavers looking to start their own business or become self-employed, by providing a number of options to assist with business development ideas (jncluding training).

For more information call 0800 678 5787 or email betheboss@civvystreet.org.

Local funding

Mid Yorkshire Social Work Fund

Individuals must meet the following criteria to claim:

• Social work students living or studying in West Yorkshire or North Yorkshire
• Registered on a General Social Care Council (GSCC) accredited qualifying or post-qualifying course
• Facing severe financial hardship as a result of their participation in a qualifying or post-qualifying course

A maximum grant of £500 is available in any 12 month period. For more information visit http://www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1037

The Skills Enhancement Fund
The Skills Enhancement Fund (SEF) is a £50m resource that encourages employers in Yorkshire and Humber to invest in skills development and therefore increase the skills base in the region.

It is co-financed by The Skills Funding Agency through the European Social Fund and funded by Yorkshire Forward. There are three routes for application:

• Framework route
• Single business application
• Provider route

For more information and FAQs visit http://www.enhancementfund.co.uk/information/FAQs.asp