Free Funding from The King’s Trust to Help you Train or Start Work

The King’s Trust Development Awards are small grants for young people who need financial support to access education, employment, training, or structured volunteering. The amount of each award depends on your unique needs, future career goals, and personal development plans. Awards are available from £10 right up to a maximum of £500.

Here are some examples of the costs that can be covered through a King’s Trust Development Award, but there are many other possibilities:

• Tools, equipment, or uniforms for a job or training: for example, safety clothing and a toolkit needed for a construction course
• Clothes for a job interview
• Accredited course fees up to level 3 (A-level equivalent): this includes any course type between entry level and level 3 listed on the government website
• Job licence fees and IDs: for example, an enhanced DBS check, a CSCS card (for construction work), or an SIA licence (for security work)
• Transport to a new job until you receive your first month’s pay Childcare while you are training: the childcare provider must be registered and inspected by the relevant regulator or statutory body for childcare in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

To be eligible for a King’s Trust Development Award, applicants must:

• Be aged 16 to 30 and living in the UK in an area where awards are available
• If aged 16 to 17, no longer be in compulsory education
• If aged 18 to 30, work less than 16 hours per week or be in education less than 14 hours per week
• Have secured an interview, a new job, a place at college, or a volunteering placement
• Face a financial barrier to making that opportunity happen

If you think you are eligible and a Development Award could cover your costs, find out how to apply. Awards are available only in certain UK locations.

Applications typically take 6 to 8 weeks to process. The King’s Trust recommends applying at least 8 weeks before funding is needed. We can’t pay you back costs after you’ve already paid.