Part of Maximus’ delivery of the Restart Scheme and our ongoing commitment to support the communities we serve, our Local Impact Fund (LIF) is about leaving a lasting legacy in our Restart delivery areas, offering direct benefit to the local community whilst investing in the region’s economic recovery.

Alongside our investments in local organisations to deliver community projects and initiatives, which to date have provided hundreds of thousands of pounds to dozens of partners, this cycle we are expanding the scope of our Local Impact Fund grants to cover impactful research and policy work.

Why we are expanding the scope of the Local Impact Fund

The labour market and local economies are rapidly changing, with structural and systemic challenges. AI is transforming the structure of the labour market. The number of young people not in education, employment or training is at the highest level for more than a decade. The disability employment gap remains stuck at more than 30%. And access to housing, quality childcare, transport and healthcare are limiting access to quality jobs and local economic growth. We believe that quality research and policy work can help identify best practice and achieve lasting change.

Through this funding, our aim is to have a shared goal of:

• Make a lasting positive impact within the local communities
• Reduce inequalities
• Improve access to employment opportunities, particularly in the most deprived communities

Who can apply?

The fund is open to organisations across West and South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire. We are especially keen to receive applications from projects in the following priority areas:

Calderdale / Kirklees / Bradford / Wakefield / Barnsley / Doncaster / Rotherham / Ashfield / Nottingham / Bolsover / Mansfield / Derbyshire. 

We welcome applications for projects that supports rural and isolated communities within the above district areas, particularly where transport, digital connectivity and access to services create barriers to learning and employment.

Funding available

Depending on organisational structure, applicants may apply for up to £20,000.

Additional Information

In addition to the guidance document, Maximus are offering information sessions for prospective applicants. To book a session with their Social Value team, please email localimpactfund2b@maximusuk.co.uk.

•           Wednesday 5th August at 10:00 – 11:00 –Join the meeting now
•           Wednesday 12th August at 10:00 – 11:00  – Join the meeting now

Please Complete the Social Value & Research Activity Form

🔗 Social Value & Research Activity Submission Form    - Local Impact Fund - Round 5 Expression of Interest  – Fill out form

Deadline: Friday 4th September 2026 at 17:00

Important notes

• Due to anticipated high demand, timescales may be shortened if we receive an exceptional number of applications—please apply early to avoid disappointment.
• Please note: the fund is designed to support wider communities where we deliver the Restart Scheme. It does not specifically target Restart Scheme participants.
• A PDF version of the Expression of Interest (EOI) form is also attached for reference. Please use this as a guide when preparing your application and submit your final application through the online submission form linked above.