Launch of the Thames Freeport Community Skills Fund: Backing Local Ideas, Building Local Futures
Thames Freeport is proud to launch this year’s community skills fund – an opportunity for local people and organisations to turn ideas into action.
This fund is about more than skills training. It’s about unlocking the creativity, enterprise, and potential within our communities, and making sure everyone can benefit from the opportunities Thames Freeport brings to Barking & Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock.
This initiative aims to empower local talent and provide the necessary resources to thrive, ensuring that the local community skills fund can make a significant impact.
A Fund Designed for Community Impact
The Community Skills Fund will invest in practical, innovative projects that break down barriers to employment, connect people with new opportunities, and build the capacity of our neighbourhoods.
We’re looking for ideas that can make a measurable difference – whether that’s through events, new facilities, outreach programmes, or entirely new approaches to skills and careers.
Examples might include:
- A youth-led enterprise project that gives young people real-world experience
- A pop-up skills festival bringing training providers directly into the heart of the community
- A partnership between schools, employers, and community groups to open up new career pathways
- A neighbourhood green skills hub, helping residents prepare for the Net Zero economy
Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from:
- Community organisations
- Employers
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Independent training providers
- Other local groups ready to work in partnership
Applicants must be based in or ready to operate within Barking & Dagenham, Havering, or Thurrock.
Funding Available
- We welcome bids from £20k to £50K
- Thames Freeport can fund up to 100% of eligible costs
- We will support both programme delivery and capital projects – or a combination of both
Projects should be designed to deliver lasting benefits and show clear plans for sustainability beyond the funding period.
Our Priorities
We will prioritise projects that:
- Deliver tangible benefits to the community
- Reach underrepresented groups in the workforce
- Promote local enterprise and inclusive growth
- Align with Net Zero goals and investment opportunities
- Strengthen community engagement with Thames Freeport’s skills pathways
Key Dates
- Applications close: 12pm, 29 August 2025
- Awards announced: 24 September 2025
- Project delivery starts: 30 September 2025
How to Apply
Send a request for the application for to Skills@thamesfreeport.com using the subject line: Community Skills Fund – Application.