Discretionary grants are funds awarded by the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) to support learning projects or programs that align with the goal of raising the skill levels of job seekers and employees. These learning programmes include learnerships, skills programmes, internships, and apprenticeships. To achieve effective learning programmes, organisations, employers, and training providers can apply for SETA funding.

Discretionary grants are typically awarded through a competitive process in which applicants submit proposals for projects or programs and are evaluated based on specific criteria. The awarding SETA uses its discretion to award the funds to the proposals that best meet its goals and objectives. These are typically non-PIVOTAL programs.

PIVOTAL programs are Professional, Vocational, Technical, and Academic Learning programmes. Discretionary funding is allocated to non-PIVOTAL programmes. Non-Pivotal Programmes are programmes that do not lead to credit-bearing qualifications but address the objectives and priorities that are key to SETA. Non-Pivotal programmes include Career Guidance and Sector Conferences.

Why organisations should apply

Organisations, employers, and training programs are encouraged to apply for discretionary grants because they provide funding for specific projects or programs that align with the goals and priorities of the grant-making agency, including FoodBev SETA, CATHSSETA or BankSETA. The benefits of receiving a discretionary grant include:

1. Financial support for specific projects or programs that the organisation may not have the resources to fund on its own.

2. Recognition and validation of the organisation’s work and role in creating a future for South Africa.

3. Opportunities for networking and collaboration with other organisations and individuals in the field.

4. Potential for leverage of additional funding from other sources.

5. Potential to achieve greater impact and reach more beneficiaries than the organisation would be able to on its own.

Discretionary Grants currently accepting applications for 2023/2024:

Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA)

The Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBevSETA) is responsible for education and training in the food and beverages manufacturing industry in South Africa. FoodBev SETA offers discretionary grants to support the training and development of individuals and organisations within the industry. These grants are intended to support the upskilling and reskilling of workers, as well as the development of new skills and technologies within the industry.

Eligible organisations may use discretionary grants to support a variety of initiatives, such as training programs, apprenticeships, and bursaries for students. Preference will be given to those applicants who apply for learning programmes that lead to occupations that are hard to fill in the food and beverages manufacturing sector as captured in the FoodBev SETA Sector Skills Plan (SSP).

The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA)

The Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport, Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) is responsible for education and training through discretionary grants that support the training and development of individuals and organisations within these sectors. Their mandate is to facilitate skills development through grants for learning programs within the industry. This includes monitoring education and training initiatives outlined in the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS).

Eligible organisations may use CATHSSETA discretionary grants to support a variety of initiatives, such as training programs, apprenticeships, and bursaries for students. The grants are also intended to support the development of new skills and technologies within the culture, arts, tourism, hospitality and sports sectors, as well as to improve the overall competitiveness of the sector.

Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA)

The Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) is a South African statutory body acting within the broader banking and microfinance sector. BANKSETA is responsible for organisational and individual development through partnerships, skills development, and professional development.

They offer discretionary grants to organisations that provide training and education in the banking and microfinance sector. These grants are intended to support the development of skills and knowledge in the sector and can be used to cover the cost of training programs, equipment, and materials. The grant amount and specific requirements for applying may vary depending on the current funding available and the focus of BANKSETA’s skills development initiatives.

FoodBevSETA, CATHSSETA and BANKSETA discretionary grant applications are now open for 2023/2024. Apply for Discretionary Grant from FoodBevSETA, CATHSSETA or BankSETA today!