Aims/Priorities: The primary aim of the programme is to improve the evidence on effective support for young people aged 16-24 facing significant barriers to work to develop essential employment skills and ultimately access good jobs.
The funding is to initiate or develop partnerships between stakeholders, which may include employers, educators, third sector providers, and local and regional government, to sustain support for young people. In addition, there is also interest in funding projects that aim to improve mechanisms for sharing learning or to advance approaches to measuring essential employment skills.
The fund is for programmes that support young people aged 16-24 or a narrower age group within that range, such as 16-19 year olds, living in the UK.
There needs to be a clear focus on young people facing significant barriers to work which may include focusing on young people with one or more of the following risk factors for being NEET:
- Low or no academic qualifications
- Persistent school absence or exclusion
- SEND, especially having an Education, Health and Care Plan
- Mental health difficulties
- Experience of the care system
- Young parenthood
- Being a young carer
- Belonging to a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller community
- Living in geographic areas with higher rates of youth unemployment.
Who can apply: Partnerships that are already established between frontline delivery organisations and independent evaluators may apply. It is hoped that the fund will encourage new collaborations between employers, educators, charities, researchers and local government.
Grant amount: Grants of up to £500,000 are available.
Application process: There is a two stage application process:
- Outline applications are accepted from 8 September 2026 to 10 December 2026.
- Those who are shortlisted will be invited to submit full applications in spring 2027.
Full details are available on the Nuffield Foundation website.
Deadline: Thursday 10 December 2026.
Contact info: Contact | Nuffield Foundation
Website: Essential Employment Skills Fund | Apply for Funding