Skills champion grant

The skills champion grant application forms can only be completed using the online form. Please note that the system will allow 20 minutes to complete each page before timing out. We therefore recommend preparing your answers to the questions

In your application please prepare answers for the following

Question: what essential skill challenges have you identified either in the community or within your organisation?

We are looking for clear explanations of the situation and the impact champions will make. We would expect this section of the application form to be no shorter than 350 words.

Question: how will you utilise the grant?

Your answer here will help us understand what your skills champion activity will be. In this section, please tell us about the following:

• describe your activity to us 
• have you identified a need
• what difference do you expect to make as a result of undertaking this activity

We would expect this section of the application form to be no shorter than 350 words. We are more likely to fund applications that address more than one of the three essential skills.  

Question: how many individuals you expect to work with?

We are looking to assess the impact of the champions that you are applying for. As part of UK Shared Prosperity Fund requirements, we need to show a demonstrable level of impact for each person claimed. Including the number of individuals who have improved their essential skills.  

Question: how many Skills Champions will your organisation have?

You will need to tell us their names, positions and email addresses and which essential skill they will be addressing.

Question: details of how your Skills Champion will fulfil the role requirements

We are looking for confirmation that you understand the commitment required. Please include a short explanation on how you will achieve this. 

The LinknLearn network meetings will be on 8 October 2025, 21 January 2026 and 18 March 2026. 

Documentation required to support your application

• bank statement within last three months
• signed audited accounts for the last 12 months
• signed constitution if community organisation

 Applicants must ensure that supporting evidence is accurate and complete when submitting. We will reject incomplete or incorrect applications, and you may not have the chance to reapply. 

Eligibility criteria

You must:

• be a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), community interest company (CIC), company limited by guarantee, social enterprise, registered charity, public body which delivers or hosts community projects or a constituted body, a private company or business
• be located within, or deliver your services within the administrative area covered by Lincolnshire County Council 
• have been in operation for at least 12 months 
• not have an outstanding debt with the council
• employ more than five people, or have proof of more than five volunteers
• not be a statutory educational institution such as a school, college or other educational body which is established or governed by law