The Jobs Fund is a R9 billion government initiative established by National Treasury to co-finance projects that significantly contribute to job creation. Launched in 2011, the Fund provides grants that must be matched by private sector, government, or NGO contributions—and it funds sector intermediaries with proven delivery track records, not individual SMEs.
Who This Is For
This guide is for:
- Sector intermediaries with a proven track record of delivering job creation programmes at scale
- Private sector companies running large job creation programmes
- NGOs and NPOs implementing employment initiatives
- Training providers and skills development organisations
- Government entities seeking matched funding
- Industry associations running sector development programmes
About the Jobs Fund
The Jobs Fund was established by National Treasury to support innovative approaches to job creation that can be scaled up if successful. Unlike other government programmes, it operates on a matching fund principle—applicants must match the grant with their own or partners' contributions, at ratios set per call.
Current Call: 13th Round
Catalysing Demand-Led Growth in the Green and Informal Economy
The 13th Call for Proposals targets projects that catalyse demand-led growth in the green economy and the informal economy. It is aimed at sector intermediaries with a proven track record—not individual SMEs seeking funding for their own businesses.
Legacy Funding Windows
Historically, the Jobs Fund classified its grants under four "funding windows." These are legacy classifications, not standing programmes you can apply to—every grant is awarded through a numbered Call for Proposals with its own theme and criteria. The windows below are useful context for understanding what the Fund has supported:
Enterprise Development
Supported projects that helped enterprises grow and create new jobs, including SME development, incubation, access to markets, and value chain integration.
Activities funded under this window:
- SME incubation and acceleration programmes
- Access to finance programmes
- Market access and value chain integration
- Technology adoption for job creation
- Sector development initiatives
- Franchise and dealership development
Infrastructure Investment
Supported infrastructure projects that created employment during construction and enabled economic activity and job creation upon completion.
Projects funded under this window:
Work Seeker Support
Supported programmes that helped unemployed people access jobs through training, placement, and support services.
Programmes funded under this window:
- Skills training linked to employment
- Job placement and matching services
- Learnerships and internships
- Youth employment programmes
- Work readiness training
- Digital skills development
Institutional Capacity Building
Supported the development of institutions that can deliver sustainable employment services and support.
Focus Areas:
Eligibility Requirements
Entity Requirements
Eligible Applicants:
- South African registered companies (Pty Ltd)
- Non-profit organisations (NPOs/NPCs)
- Industry associations and business chambers
- State-owned entities and government departments
- Universities and research institutions
- Municipalities and local government
Basic Requirements:
- Registered in South Africa
- Tax compliant (valid TCC)
- Clean track record (no fraud or corruption)
- Demonstrated implementation capacity
- Ability to provide matching contribution
- Sound governance and financial management
Matching Contribution
The Jobs Fund requires a matching contribution—in the 13th round, 1:1 for private and public sector applicants and 1:0.5 for NPOs. This matching contribution can be cash or in-kind, but cash is preferred.
| Contribution Type | Details | Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Cash contribution | Direct funding from applicant or partners | Preferred |
| In-kind (staff time) | Valued at actual salary costs | Accepted |
| In-kind (facilities) | Valued at market rates | Accepted |
| In-kind (equipment) | Depreciated value of equipment used | Limited |
How to Apply
Done with you · human-reviewed
Funding Application Pack
Most applications to the Jobs Fund are turned away for incomplete or poorly presented paperwork before the merits are read. We prepare your full application pack with you: the forms, a funder-ready business plan and financial summary, and a document checklist, reviewed by a person before you submit.
Call for Proposals
The Jobs Fund issues numbered "Calls for Proposals," each with its own theme and criteria. You cannot apply outside of an active call period. The current 13th round closes 30 June 2026 at 15h00.
How to Stay Informed:
- Monitor National Treasury and GTAC (Government Technical Advisory Centre) announcements
- Check gov.za and the Government Gazette for formal calls (the Jobs Fund website has had certificate issues, so government channels are more reliable)
- Follow Jobs Fund on social media
Application Stages
Concept Note
Submit a brief concept note outlining your project idea, expected job creation, matching contribution, and implementation approach. This is typically 5-10 pages.
Initial Screening
Jobs Fund team screens concept notes for eligibility, strategic fit, and basic viability. Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit full proposals.
Full Proposal
Develop a comprehensive proposal with detailed implementation plan, budget, job creation methodology, M&E framework, and supporting documentation.
Due Diligence
The Jobs Fund team conducts technical, financial, and organisational due diligence. Site visits and interviews are common. This phase can take 3-6 months.
Approval & Contracting
Approved projects are presented to the Investment Committee. Upon approval, grant agreements are negotiated and signed.
Required Documents
- Organisation registration documents (CIPC, NPO certificate)
- Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC)
- 3 years audited financial statements
- Proof of matching contribution (bank statements, commitment letters)
- Detailed implementation plan with milestones
- Budget breakdown by activity and year
- Job creation methodology and targets
- CVs of key project team members
- B-BBEE certificate
- Monitoring and evaluation framework
Cost Per Job Calculation
The Jobs Fund uses "cost per job" as a key metric to evaluate proposals. Understanding this calculation is critical to a successful application.
Cost Per Job Formula:
Cost Per Job = Total Project Cost ÷ Number of Jobs CreatedJob Types Counted:
- Direct permanent jobs: Full weight in calculation
- Direct temporary jobs: Counted separately, converted to FTEs
- Indirect jobs: Must have clear methodology to count
- Training placements: Only count if leads to employment
Tips for Success
Clear Job Creation Logic
Show exactly how your activities lead to jobs. The "theory of change" must be credible and verifiable.
Solid Matching Contribution
Demonstrate committed, verified matching funds. Letters of commitment from partners and bank statements strengthen applications.
Sustainability Plan
Show how the project and jobs will be sustained after Jobs Fund support ends. Exit strategies are critical.
Strong Implementation Capacity
Demonstrate your organisation's track record in delivering similar programmes. Include CVs of experienced team members.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inflated job numbers: Overstating expected job creation without credible methodology or evidence.
- Weak matching: Relying heavily on in-kind contributions without cash commitment.
- Generic proposals: Not tailoring applications to the specific call requirements and focus areas.
- Poor M&E: Lacking clear indicators and systems to track and verify job creation.
- No sustainability: Projects that end when funding ends, with no plan for continuation.
- Late submission: Missing call deadlines—there are no extensions.
Next Steps
Ready to Apply?
- Check the current call: The 13th round closes 30 June 2026 at 15h00—find official details via GTAC and gov.za (the Jobs Fund's own website has had certificate issues)
- Watch for new rounds: Monitor National Treasury, GTAC, and Government Gazette announcements for the next call for proposals
- Review past calls: Understand what types of projects have been funded previously
- Prepare your concept: Develop your project idea so you're ready when a relevant call opens
- Secure matching funds: Line up your matching contribution before a call is announced
Youth Funding Pathway
Many Jobs Fund projects target youth employment. Explore all youth funding options.
SA Funding Landscape
Understand all funding options available to South African enterprises.
Ready to Apply?
Browse live Jobs Fund funding programmes in FundingOS. Check your readiness before applying to identify any gaps in your documentation.
Done with you · human-reviewed
Funding Application Pack
Rather have your Jobs Fund application prepared and checked before it goes in? We put the whole pack together with you and review it before you submit.