Cymdeithas Gwasanaethau Gwirfoddol Sir Gâr
Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services

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Communities First funding 29/01/10

Posted on Monday, November 30, 2009

Communities in Wales’ most disadvantaged areas are being reminded that grants of up to £5,000 are still available for projects or activities that provide local benefits.

The Communities First Trust Fund is a small grants scheme that aims to support any type of activity that involves local people, through small community organisations, taking steps to improve their local area.

Since its inception in 2002, the Trust Fund has supported activities of almost 9,000 groups including clean-ups of local estates, intercultural and community events and the purchase of equipment and community owned facilities.

The Trust Fund is managed by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), the umbrella organisation for Wales’ 30,000 charities and community groups.

WCVA Director of Enterprise and Regeneration, Phil Fiander commented: ‘The Communities First Trust Fund is a vital source of funding for community activities that is quick and straightforward to apply for.

‘Over the years, the Fund has made a real difference to communities across Wales by providing the money for a wide range of things that have improved the quality of life of local people.

‘The longer term impact of funding local activities is that it encourages and empowers more community involvement, and restores community spirit, pride and ownership.’

The deadline to make an application for funding is 29 January 2010. Community groups can apply for up to £5,000 and there is no minimum amount.

Application forms can be found at www.wcva.org.uk. For further information or to find out if your community is a Communities First ward and therefore eligible to apply for funding, contact the Communities First Helpline on 0800 578 8898.