As part of our ongoing commitment to empowering local communities, we are continuing to transform thousands of lives at a local level through our Local Impact Fund.
Designed to strengthen communities, build labour market resilience and address unique local needs, the fund forms part of our Restart Scheme delivery and provides grants of up to £10,000 to support charities and community organisations across the country. 
Empowering local communities
Since its inception in March 2023, the fund has awarded £228,000 to a variety of innovative community projects and worthwhile initiatives, with each organisation handpicked for its ability to drive positive change within the community.
During our latest funding round, more than £72,000 has been awarded to 10 community-based organisations across South and West Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottingham and South and East London.
From employability support for refugees, to digital creative projects and interpreter programmes, every successful grant helps to reduce inequalities while empowering the local community.
Anne Seddon, Social Value Manager at Maximus UK for South and West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, said:“The Local Impact Fund’s third funding round has helped us support a number of impactful projects across South and West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire – ranging from youth work experience support at Careerbay to interpreter programmes at WomenZone. Each successful project plays a vital role in strengthening the local community, and we are proud to help these organisations drive positive change.
We’re also proud to have supported Smart Works vital research into women’s unemployment in Bradford through our Local Impact Fund grant. Too often, assumptions are made about the barriers women face, but this project has truly listened to their voices and experiences. By co-producing solutions alongside the very communities we serve, we can create more meaningful opportunities, remove real barriers, and help women move forward with confidence into work.”
Successful organisations are chosen by a panel of Maximus employees and representatives from local authorities. In our third funding round, the following organisations were awarded grants to help fund their community projects:
South and West Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire
- Careerbay – The successful project was awarded £7,100 to help expand its online work experience platform, providing access to 7,500 work experience opportunities for young people across South Yorkshire.
- Community Education Employment Advice (CEEA) – The charity’s project, ESOL and Entrepreneurs, was awarded £6,400 to empower refugees through English language skills and entrepreneurship training.
- Get Wise – The creative community interest company was awarded £5,000 to facilitate drop-in sessions for local community members in Nottingham, allowing them to engage in digital creative projects that foster confidence and teamwork skills.
- Rotherham United Community Trust (RUCT) – The Trust was awarded £9,800 and is using the grant to provide tailored support to improve the wellbeing and financial security of up to 100 young people aged 16 to 24 over a six-month period, helping those who are not currently in education, employment or training, move closer to securing a job.
- Smart Works – The nationwide charity was awarded £9,400 to launch new services in Bradford, aiming to help more women access support and empower clients to achieve their fullest potential.
- Upbeat Communities – Dedicated to supporting refugees, Upbeat Communities was awarded £9,200 to connect refugees with local businesses in Sheffield, creating pathways to sustainable employment.
- WomenZone – WomenZone, based at the WomenZone Community Centre in Bradford, was awarded £10,000 to support an interpreter programme aimed at creating flexible employment opportunities for South Asian women
Fatima Iqbal, Social Value Manager at Maximus UK for South and East London, added: “In our third round of the Local Impact Fund, we decided to take a different approach by specifically inviting charities and organisations that had previously received funding from us in the first round to apply for a new grant. This round was not open to new applicants, allowing us to focus on strengthening our long-term partnerships with these organisations. We had a year gap for these previous recipients to apply, and out of the four that were successful in round one, three received a new grant of £5,000 each. All these grant projects are unique and directly or indirectly support employability, demonstrating the impact we can achieve through ongoing collaboration.”
South and East London
- Breaking Barriers – This specialist refugee employment charity based in London, has been awarded £5,000 to continue funding the salaries of Employment Advisors who provide tailored, one-on-one support to refugees seeking employment.
- The Maypole Project – With a £5,000 grant this charity will enhance its employability skills programme for young individuals with complex medical conditions – facilitating hands-on experience in diverse settings, including sailing centres, banks and office environments.
- Trailnet – After a previous round of funding, Trailnet will continue its Pedal Power project after receiving £5,000 in funding. This initiative will provide bespoke cycle mechanic training to socially isolated individuals in Dagenham, helping them develop practical skills and encouraging their overall well-being.
Moving forward, we are committed to supporting meaningful projects and initiatives that help support local communities and provide positive change for all.
