Funding Opportunity: Tackling Barriers to Employment and Skills Development

VCSE organisations supporting people furthest from the labour market can soon apply for a new funding opportunity designed to improve access to employment, skills development and life chances.

The CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund is provided by CABWI, the awarding body for the water and utilities industries, and is managed by the CABWI charity. The fund aims to support charities working directly with young people and adults who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), or who face complex barriers to work.

Who Can Apply?

Grants are available to UK-registered charities that work directly with:

• Young people and adults who are NEET
• Individuals at risk of becoming NEET
• People facing multiple or complex barriers to employment

Eligible organisations must fall within the following income thresholds:

• Organisations with an income between £266,666 and £1 million can apply for grants of up to £40,000
• Organisations with an income of up to £266,666 can apply for up to 15% of their previous year’s turnover

Funding can be used to support core costs and/or project costs, offering flexibility for organisations to strengthen their delivery and impact.

Funding Priorities

The CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund will prioritise projects that:

• Work directly with young people who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET, improving access to employment and the labour market
• Reach and support individuals with complex barriers to employment, helping them move closer to or into work — including (but not limited to) ex-service personnel and ex-offenders
• Increase life skills and employability, enabling people to progress in their careers, with a particular focus on the water, utilities and construction industries

Projects that demonstrate clear pathways into employment, training, or further skills development will be particularly well aligned with the fund’s aims.

Application Process and Key Dates

The fund operates a two-stage application process.

• Expressions of Interest open: 5 January 2026
• Expressions of Interest close: 26 January 2026

Organisations invited to the second stage will be asked to submit a full application.

Why This Fund Matters

This funding opportunity is particularly relevant for VCSE organisations working with people who are often excluded from mainstream employment pathways. By focusing on life skills, sector-specific progression and those facing multiple disadvantages, the fund supports long-term employability rather than short-term outcomes.

Next Steps

If your organisation works with people facing barriers to employment and meets the eligibility criteria, now is the time to:

• Review your project ideas and organisational finances
• Identify how your work aligns with CABWI’s funding priorities
• Prepare for the Expression of Interest stage in January 2026

Click Here for guidance and to apply

? Mark the dates and start planning early to maximise your chances of success.