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European Social Fund (ESF) Global Grants were introduced in 2001 to provide small grants to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that would otherwise be unable to access mainstream (ESF) funding. Funds are distributed to local organisations and community groups for projects which help people with low rates of employment to move closer to the labour market. This research aimed to provide systematic evidence at the individual beneficiary level of the extent to which, and ways in which, Global Grants achieved this objective for people from disadvantaged groups. A further aim of the study was to provide evidence that would help shape future ESF programs and inform decision making regarding the effective targeting of ESF funding during the 2007-2013 operational program. The findings indicate that the program as it currently operates has been effective in increasing the employability of the most disadvantaged individuals. The research has also shown that the program has filled an important gap in current mainstream provision, developing a reputation amongst mainstream providers as an effective means of reaching and supporting 'harder to help' groups. Evidence from both this study and the previous Global Grants national evaluation clearly shows that key aspects of the program's original design have been critical to its success, and should therefore be retained in future development. The report recommends areas of the program that might be developed and enhanced further in the future.