Meriden MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, has today called on colleges, universities and community groups to apply for National Express Foundation funding to support local young people.
The charity, now in its seventh year, has already given hundreds of thousands of pounds to community groups, colleges and universities which has helped over 14,200 young people to date.
Last year the Foundation increased its funding support to £150,000. This year the Foundation has doubled the amount of funding available, to £300,000.
Now, Dame Caroline is urging community groups, colleges and universities in the Meriden constituency to make the most of the opportunity and apply for some of the increased funding available, to help young people in the local community. The deadline for applications is Thursday 8 March 2018.
The National Express Foundation provides grants for bursaries that help local disadvantaged young students attend further and higher education, as well as funding to support community groups working with local young people.
The charity will award £10,000 per annum to successful colleges and universities to enable them to provide individuals in challenging personal or financial situations with a bursary to help with their costs whilst a student.
Community groups can apply for grants of £2,500, £5,000, £10,000 or £20,000 to deliver positive and engaging activities for local young people in the area.
Dame Caroline said, “Since it was launched in 2012 the National Express Foundation has given hundreds of thousands of pounds to community groups, colleges and universities. I want to make sure local young people in the Meriden constituency get a fair share this year and that is why I am calling on local community groups and educational institutions to urge them to apply for funding."
Anthony Vigor, Chairman of the National Express Foundation, said:
“We are extremely proud that over the last six years, the National Express Foundation grants have helped over 14,200 young people to enjoy positive and engaging activities and helped them to gain qualifications and learn new skills. This year we’re really pleased to have been able to double the amount of funding available to help even more local young people in the communities that we serve. I would urge all local educational institutions and community groups to submit an application for funding.”
For more information about the National Express Foundation’s application process including application forms, please visit: www.nationalexpressgroup.com/foundation