Today brings good news for communities across England and Wales – at NatWest, we are making £1m of funding available to local not-for-profit organisations, for projects focused on financial capability and enterprise, in the seventh round of our Skills & Opportunities Fund.

We are inviting community organisations with an eligible project or project idea to apply for grants of up to £35k. So if that sounds like an opportunity you or someone you know might be interested in, please visit skillsandopportunitiesfund.natwest.com/apply/ to find out more.

We are extremely happy that the Fund has had such a positive impact in the three years since its launch, distributing funding to great local initiatives and organisations, and helping people and their wider communities.

One organisation that has benefitted from Skills & Opportunities funding is Cornwall Marine Network (CMN) Limited, an organisation dedicated to supporting the profitability, growth and innovation of the marine sector in Cornwall. Their spokesperson commented on the impact the Fund has had on them:

“Our Get on Board initiative, a marine apprenticeship programme for young people most in need in our local area, was made possible by the NatWest Skills & Opportunities Fund. It has been a major success: Penair School, Restormel Alternative Provision Academy and Helston Community College all took part and have reported a significant improvement in the positivity, confidence, self esteem and team working skills of their participating students.

“As a direct result of the project, five young people have secured jobs, with an economic added value to the Cornish economy of £175,000 – equivalent to a 500% return on NatWest’s initial investment.”

You can read more about Cornwall Marine Network Limited and other inspiring winners at skillsandopportunitiesfund.natwest.com/winners

Read to apply?

Applications are open from Monday 5 February until Friday 23 February 2018.

More information, including full eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available at skillsandopportunitiesfund.natwest.com/apply/

A reminder of the key dates for Round 1 2018:

• Application window:              Mon 5 Feb – Fri 23 Feb
• Shortlisting:                            Mon 26 Feb – Fri 23 Mar
• Public vote:                             Fri 6 Apr – Fri 20 Apr
• Regional Board vote:             Mon 23 Apr – Tues 8 May
• Announcement of winners:   Fri 25 May