The funding pot aims to support innovative adult and community learning opportunities to encourage, in particular, informal participation and help disadvantaged groups.

According to NIACE, which is administrating the fund on behalf of the Skills Funding Agency, the move is part of efforts to help the government realise its Big Society aspirations.

"The Adult and Community Learning Fund is going to help maximise the impact of the Big Society and engage and motivate disadvantaged adults to help them make more of a contribution to their lives, their families and their community," said Peter Lavender, deputy chief executive at NIACE."

Mr Lavender continued: "We look forward to hearing from adult learning providers, from the private, public and voluntary sectors, and organisations which reach a whole diversity of adults and communities. The projects will help demonstrate the role adult learning plays in the achievement of a range of the government's wider social policy goals.  This might include the resettlement of offenders, inter-generational learning, and support for independent and active later life."

Geoff Russell, chief executive of the Skills Funding Agency, commented: "Skills should be at the heart of every community and the government is committed to making that happen with its vision for the Big Society.

"The Adult and Community Learning Fund will help some of the most disadvantaged groups of adults take their first steps to learning new skills, sparking their interest in learning as a way to improving their prospects."

The fund is offered in two ways: Small £10,000-£25,000 grants and larger £25,000-£75,000 grants. Some additional resources in cash or 'in kind' are expected for bids for more than £50,000. All projects are required to start by 1 September 2011, with all activity completed by 31 March 2012.

The closing date for applications is noon on Friday 10 June 2011.

Click here for more information, including a prospectus and application forms.

Susannah Fairbairn