Open College Network NI (OCN NI): Centre Learning Grants Programme
Overview
The Centre Learning Grants Programme was created by the OCN NI Board of Trustees to help fulfil its charitable objectives. Particular emphasis will be given to help those who may be particularly disadvantaged and would not otherwise have had opportunities to engage in education.
This is the first learner funding scheme of its kind in Northern Ireland created by an awarding organisation.
They will be awarding grants of up to £3 000 for specific projects or activities that advance the mission and vision of OCN NI in a way that provides robust evidence of how learning positively impacts on individuals, families and communities.
Successful applicants for the 2024 OCN Centre Learning Grants Programme included Bryson Energy, Youth Action Northern Ireland, People 1st, Malone Integrated College and SERC.
Purpose
This Grants Programme was initiated by the OCN NI Board of Trustees and assists in the fulfilment of their charitable purpose, with the focus of the programme to assist and support OCN Centres and their learners undertaking and/or working towards an OCN qualification.
Particular emphasis has been given to help those who may be particularly disadvantaged and would not otherwise have had the opportunities to engage in education.
The objectives of the grants are to encourage innovation, enhance learning and progression while supporting learners.
The organisations receiving this grant have ambitious educational and business development goals that include learners who have specific financial needs.
These learners are looking to improve their career aspirations through their qualifications and the excellent teaching delivered by the applicants.
OCN NI would encourage centres to be innovative in their grant application, by thinking of ways to remove barriers to education for learners, so that they may benefit and access opportunities that may not have otherwise been available to them.
They look forward to supporting those learners who most need it through this new OCN initiative.
Who can apply for funding
You can apply if:
- You are an OCN NI Recognised Centre;
- You currently have no outstanding debt with OCN NI;
- You have registered learners on OCN NI Qualifications within the last 12 months
You can apply for funding once every 12 months.
How much can you apply for
OCN NI will offer grants of between £500 - £3,000 to specific projects or activities that advance the mission and vision of OCN NI in a way that provides robust evidence of how learning positively impacts on individuals, families, and communities.
All applications are considered, with special consideration given to centres supporting OCN learners who have significant barriers and hardship preventing them from realising their full potential through education, for example through economic or family circumstances.
What they fund
Their objective is to enhance educational opportunities for individuals, families, and communities through participation on OCN NI Learning programmes. Through working in partnership with our recognised education and training providers, the centre learning grants will help tackle educational underachievement and remove barriers to learning.
Funding MUST be used to benefit learners undertaking and/or working towards an OCN qualification
The OCN NI grants panel has the final say on the amount of funding available for grants and who receives grants.
Types of costs that they fund include:
The grant can be used to enable learning for individuals and groups, and may cover the costs of any supplementary activities and materials that will help change people’s lives through education and training. In exceptional cases we may award the costs for travel and childcare providers that are registered with the local Health and Social Care Trust.
If you are awarded a grant, it may be a partial reward and not the full requested amount.
OCN NI will only accept one grant application per organisation per year.