The National Express Foundation is urging educational institutions and community groups to get themselves in gear and apply for National Express Foundation funding to support West Midlands and Kent youngsters before this year’s application deadline on 10 March.

Youngsters across the West Midlands and Medway, Gravesend and Longfield areas of Kent could benefit from thousands of pounds of funding from the National Express Foundation.

Last year the charity extended its funding for youngsters in Medway, Kent and this year even more youngsters could benefit as the National Express Foundation has further increased its support to Kent’s Gravesend and Longfield areas.

Since its launch in 2012, the Foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds which has helped over 11,000 young people enjoy exciting and engaging activities and to continue with their education.

To build on this success the Foundation is this year extending its funding support to a larger part of the Kent region, reflecting the area served by Clarkes Commuter, the local coach commuter service recently acquired by National Express UK Coach.

The charity opened for 2017 applications last month and is offering local educational institutions and community groups the opportunity to bid for grants out of the £150,000 funding available. Applications must be received by Friday 10 March 2017.

The Foundation provides grants of £2,500 or £5,000 to support local community groups that will provide positive and engaging activities for young people in deprived areas.

Community groups are not the only ones to benefit from Foundation funding, as local colleges and universities can also apply for grants of £10,000 per year towards innovative bursary schemes which help students from disadvantaged backgrounds continue in further or higher education.

To be eligible, groups or educational institutions must be based within the West Midlands, or within Kent’s ME1-ME12, ME14, DA3, DA11, DA12 or DA13 postal codes. Full guidelines on how to apply and application forms can be found at www.nationalexpressgroup.com/foundation.

Anthony Vigor, Chairman of the National Express Foundation, said:

“We are extremely proud that over the last five years, the National Express Foundation grants have helped over 11,000 young people enjoy exciting and engaging activities and helped them to gain qualifications and learn new skills. I would urge all local educational institutions and community groups to put in an application for funding and not miss out on this great opportunity to support local youngsters.”