The Austin Bailey Foundation Bridging the Gap Fund is to support people under the age of 25 to reach their potential by removing barriers to achieving academic or employment goals. We expect these grants to impact the wellbeing of the young person and lead to an increased engagement with school, college or work to further realise potential. These grants are only available in City and Country of Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Council Areas.
We have three different grant programmes as part of Bridging the Gap.
Large Grants for groups of young people - These grants are for schools, charities who work for young people and other applicable organisations who are looking to support a group of young people. Grants are typically up to £2000 but larger applications can be made for multi-year funding but do get in touch first if you are applying for more than £2000.
Individual Grant (Referral Agency) - These grants are rapid grants for an individual young person up to £250 (£500 in exceptional circumstances) These grants are to support the young person to flourish in school, college or work and to help them reach their potential. This is the application for youth organisations and schools to apply on behalf of a young person.
Individual Grant (Self Application) - These grants are rapid grants for an individual young person up to £250 (£500 in exceptional circumstances) These grants are to support the young person to flourish in school, college or work and to help them reach their potential. This is the application for a young person to make the application themselves.
Bridging the Gap small grants could be used for a variety of reasons including but not limited to:
Bus fares to support attendance to college/school/work or extracurricular activities.
Support for subs and equipment to attend youth clubs, sports clubs, and uniformed organisations.
Emergency support for clothing, Wi-Fi, school resources, laptop, phone, shoes, sports kit, white goods, food, school meals, bus passes etc.
Cost of training or courses to increase chances of employability eg CISS.
Cost of tools or other resources to start a new job or undertake an apprenticeship.
Cost of private tuition support
Cost of a child attending residential or activity.
Support for a young person obtaining identification such as a provisional driving licence or birth certificate.
We are delighted to consider grants for other reasons if they meet the overall aim of the fund. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want to check before applying. We aim to review the application, decide, and make a payment within just a few days of the application. If you would like any further information or advice you can contact Rev Steven Bunting by email at abfbtg@gmail.com.
Applications are online and are found here.
