Preston Grant Proposal Email

Email Body

Dear Kind Communities Team,

I hope this message finds you well. My name is David Lester, and I am the founder of Lucy — a free, 24/7 AI-powered multilingual learning platform designed specifically for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.

I have been following your excellent work delivering free English classes to refugees and asylum seekers in Preston, particularly your weekly sessions at the Catherine Beckett Centre (Wednesdays) and your partnership with Preston College. Your commitment to supporting our community's most vulnerable members is truly inspiring.

I am writing to propose a partnership that I believe could significantly enhance the support you provide — at no cost to your organisation or learners.

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WHAT IS LUCY?
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Lucy is an AI-powered learning platform that provides:

✓ 24/7 English conversation practice (CEFR A1–C2 aligned)
✓ Life in the UK Test preparation (full official syllabus)
✓ NHS navigation and health rights guidance
✓ UK employment rights and workplace law education
✓ Digital skills foundations (email, web browsing, gov.uk services)
✓ CV writing and interview preparation
✓ Available in 15+ languages including Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Kurdish, Romanian, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian

Key features:
• Zero download required — works on any smartphone browser
• Completely free for all learners
• Voice input/output for users with low literacy
• Spaced repetition vocabulary engine
✓ Real-time pronunciation feedback with native speaker AI voices
✓ Progress tracking and gamification (badges, streaks, levels)

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PROPOSED PARTNERSHIP MODEL
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I would like to propose a joint application to Preston City Council's Asylum Seekers Dispersal Fund (up to £10,000).

The arrangement is straightforward:

1. KIND COMMUNITIES applies as the lead applicant
   - You are already a registered CIC and Preston City Council partner
   - You meet all eligibility criteria
   - You have an established track record of ESOL delivery

2. LUCY provides the digital delivery platform
   - White-labelled for your learners
   - Integrated with your existing weekly classes
   - Learners continue practice 24/7 between sessions

3. FUNDING ALLOCATION (£10,000 request):
   - £4,000: Kind Communities coordinator time (learner support, progress tracking, stakeholder liaison)
   - £3,500: Lucy platform licence and AI infrastructure (12 months)
   - £1,500: Device and internet access support for learners without smartphones/data
   - £1,000: Outreach, marketing and welcome packs

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EXPECTED OUTCOMES — 12 MONTHS
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Target: 80–100 learners enrolled (refugees and asylum seekers in Preston)

✓ 75% course completion rate (benchmark: 65% for adult ESOL in England)
✓ 60% achieve CEFR level progression (A1→A2, A2→B1, etc.)
✓ 40% employment or further training placement within 3 months of completion
✓ 90% learner satisfaction (measured via quarterly surveys)

Data collection:
• Real-time progress tracking in Lucy platform
• Quarterly follow-up surveys at 3, 6, and 12 months
• Alignment with Preston City Council UKSPF reporting requirements

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WHY THIS PARTNERSHIP MAKES SENSE
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FOR KIND COMMUNITIES:
✓ Extends your reach beyond weekly classroom hours
✓ Provides personalised learning paths for each student
✓ Reduces coordinator workload (AI handles 1-on-1 practice)
✓ Strengthens future funding applications with digital delivery evidence
✓ No upfront costs or technology investment required

FOR LEARNERS:
✓ Free, judgment-free practice environment
✓ Learn at their own pace, in their own language
✓ Build confidence before speaking in class
✓ Access to Life in the UK Test prep (costs £50 per attempt otherwise)
✓ Digital skills that improve employability

FOR PRESTON CITY COUNCIL:
✓ Addresses ESOL waiting list pressures
✓ Digital inclusion aligned to UKSPF People & Skills priority
✓ Measurable outcomes for reporting to LCCA
✓ Supports Preston's Community Wealth Building principles
✓ Zero risk — proven platform, experienced delivery partner

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NEXT STEPS
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I would be delighted to:

1. Arrange a demo of Lucy for your team (30 minutes, online or in-person)
2. Provide sample learner progress reports and outcome metrics
3. Co-draft the grant application form together
4. Introduce you to other delivery partners (e.g., Blackpool CAN, Breaking Barriers)

The Asylum Seekers Dispersal Fund has a rolling deadline, but I recommend we submit by mid-April to align with the new financial year (April 2026 start date).

Would you be available for a brief call next week to explore this further? I am flexible and can work around your schedule.

Thank you for the incredible work you do for our community. I believe this partnership could amplify your impact significantly — helping more refugees and asylum seekers settle, thrive and contribute to Preston.

Warm regards,

David Lester
Founder, Lucy AI
Guestservices International Ltd
📧 davidalester2022@gmail.com
📧 David@empower-creative.com
📱 [Your phone number]
🌐 [Lucy platform URL]

P.S. — I can provide a 2-page project brief with full details, budget breakdown and outcome metrics on request. Happy to answer any questions!