The focus for the RBS Skills and Opportunities Fund is to support organisations that help people in disadvantaged communities develop, create or access the skills and opportunities they need to help themselves; skills that will enable them to get into work or start a business, now or in the future. RBS believe that helping people gain such skills and access opportunities to learn can help turn their lives around and build better communities for everyone; when we build stronger communities, we all grow. 
RBS want to support as many people and organisations as possible. So even if your project isn’t shortlisted, RBS may be able to help you in other ways. This might include offering their skills and expertise to help you get your project off the ground in addition to a grant. To be eligible for this type of support, make sure your project meets the regional priorities and the set criteria, and – where RBS believe they can add value and your project has particular merit – they will contact you.
The RBS board in the North wants to fund projects that:
• Help people investigate self-employment and start their own business
• Improve the financial education of disadvantaged people to help them manage their personal finances more effectively
• While we are keen to see applications submitted from across our region we would encourage organisations from outside the larger metropolitan areas to apply
Grants up to a maximum of £35,000 can be applied for.
For further information and to apply, visit: http://skillsandopportunitiesfund.natwest.com/
Deadline: Friday 9 September 2016, 12:00