Community Facilities Programme Open

Welsh Government's Community Facilities Programme Open for Applications http://gov.wales/topics/people-and-communities/communities/community-facilities-programme/?lang=en The Welsh Government has launched the next round of applications for the Community Facilities programme, as part of their Tackling Poverty Agenda. Capital grants are available to community-led voluntary groups, social enterprises and community organisations to tackle poverty and its effects, increase opportunity, create prosperity for all and develop resilient communities where people are engaged and empowered – through the development of community facilities. Facilities must be useful to, and well used by, people in Welsh communities. Priority will be given to applications from former Communities First cluster areas, however strong applications from other areas will be considered. There are two levels of funding available: Small Grants - between £5,000 and £25,000. Large Grants - between £25,001 and £250,000. Applicants can apply for more than one grant within three years, up to a maximum of three awards. No organisation will be awarded more than £250,000 in any three year period. Grants can fund a variety of purposes, including training services, local health services, safeguarding and providing or re-introducing local community services such as libraries and post offices. Grants could also provide digital access, encourage co-location of local groups and host food banks. Applicants must be working with a partner from the public, private or third sector. This may include a local health board or authority, or a Welsh Government tackling poverty programme such as Communities First, Flying Start or Families First. The application process has two stages: an Expression of Interest stage and a Full Application stage. Applicants should note that this is a popular fund and even strong applications may be turned down. Groups can apply at any time before 31 March 2018.