Education and Training Foundation
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- Applications
- By invitation only
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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etfoundation.co.ukAbout Education and Training Foundation
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) was established in 2013 as a sector-owned, government-backed charity. It serves as the workforce development body for England's and Wales' Further Education and Skills sector, founded by key organisations including the Association of Colleges and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers. Its mission is to advance public education for those aged over 14 through world-class teaching, training, assessment, and leadership in technical and vocational fields, guided by values of professionalism, inclusivity, collaboration, and public good. ETF is distinctive for its sector-owned governance and deep government ties, focusing on research-led systemic transformation to improve learner outcomes, social mobility, and economic growth.
What Education and Training Foundation funds
ETF funds workforce capacity building across the Further Education and Skills sector. This includes continuing professional development, T Level professional development, curriculum and pedagogical innovation, English, maths and ESOL, safeguarding, inclusion, apprenticeships, and lifelong learning. The foundation supports teachers, trainers, leaders, and governance in FE colleges, independent providers, and adult learning organisations across England and Wales. Funding is delivered through grants, commissioned programmes, training, resources, and advocacy, all aimed at institutional improvement and employment progression.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, academic institutions, and community groups in England and Wales. The foundation prioritises medium-to-large colleges and sector bodies, targeting teachers, trainers, leaders, and governance professionals. Beneficiaries include students over 14, particularly disadvantaged groups, those with disabilities, and at-risk youth and adults. Small grassroots groups are unsupported, and individual CPD opportunities are available through the Society for Education and Training (SET) membership.
What Education and Training Foundation doesn't fund
ETF does not accept unsolicited organisational applications; funding occurs via direct invitations or commissions aligned to strategic priorities. The foundation excludes temporary operations, core or unrestricted costs, and activities that do not align with its workforce development mission. Small grassroots groups are unsupported.
How they like to fund
ETF funds through grants, commissioned programmes, training, resources, and advocacy. Funding is delivered via direct invitations or commissions aligned to strategic priorities, rather than unsolicited applications. The foundation supports workforce capacity building with a focus on research-led systemic transformation, but does not disclose specific grant amounts or scales, which vary by programme.
How much does Education and Training Foundation give?
Published grant sizes vary. A free fit check matches Education and Training Foundation’s current criteria to your charity — so you know if it’s worth applying.
When to apply, and how long their decisions take.
Income, location, legal structure and exactly who they fund — matched to your charity.
Good to know
How to apply to Education and Training Foundation
Education and Training Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation.
- A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
- If you cannot apply directly, shortlist open funders with a similar focus instead of writing into a closed door.
What you can do here
- 1Check fit. See if your project aligns with Education and Training Foundation.
- 2Find open funders. Shortlist similar funders you can approach.
- 3Save the notes. Keep the fit check if you are later invited to apply.
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Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Education and Training Foundation provide?
Grant amounts vary. Contact Education and Training Foundation directly for current funding levels.
Where does Education and Training Foundation fund charities?
Education and Training Foundation funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Education and Training Foundation accept unsolicited applications?
Education and Training Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
How do I apply for funding from Education and Training Foundation?
Education and Training Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Funding is by invitation. A fit check still tells you whether your work aligns with their published remit.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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