Details

The Career Ready Fund exists to give young people with learning disabilities meaningful experiences of the world of work.

The Foundation funds organisations to deliver high‑quality, job coach‑led careers education in both mainstream and SEND school settings. Support that’s grounded in supported employment principles and designed to give young people personalised vocational profiling, meaningful and well‑matched work experiences, and early exposure to employers. The focus is helping young people secure meaningful paid employment.

They welcome applications from organisations rooted in their communities with experience of supported employment practice. Whether you are currently delivering this work or are looking to develop this capacity, they're looking for organisations that will work in partnership with schools, families and employers to help young people move confidently towards a career. They want to reach young people earlier, from age 14, so they have the time and support to build real career readiness.

The key aims of the fund are to:

• Embed trained job coaches directly in schools so young people receive consistent, person-centred employment support.
• Create meaningful, well-matched work experiences that give young people real exposure to workplaces, rather than generic or tokenistic placements.
• Provide early, structured vocational profiling and careers preparation, helping young people identify their strengths, interests and aspirations.
• Strengthen partnerships between schools, support networks, employers and specialist providers, ensuring young people are supported by a joined-up ecosystem.
• Build clear pathways into supported internships, employment and paid work.

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: UK

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant

Type of cost:

Revenue, Core costs

Fund award sizes

Maximum:

Premium information

Notes on award amounts:

Premium information

Who can apply

Charitable organisations registered in and working in the UK, including:

• Registered charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) that are not-for-profit with an asset lock
• Other not for profit charitable organisations delivering work aligned with the Foundation's objects

Maximum annual income:

£3,000,000

When to apply

Currently closed to applications.

How to apply

Complete the eligibility checker and submit an Expression of Interest via the Foundation's website.

Contact information

Exclusions

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Activites funded: Education and training Employability services

Beneficiaries funded: Children Learning disabilities Young people

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Last reviewed 13 days ago