Santander Foundation Digital Empowerment Fund

 

Charities offered grants of up to £150,000 to help people with digital and financial skills

UK charities and community interest companies helping people with digital and financial skills are being invited to apply for grants of up to £150,000 from the https://www.santandersustainability.co.uk/the-santander-foundationSantander Foundation.

The grant-maker said the Financial and Digital Empowerment Fund, which is in its second year, will support 12 organisations through grants awarded over three years.

Charities can request differing amounts each year, with a minimum of £25,000 a year and up to a total of £150,000.

Applications are open to all charities based and registered in the UK as well as CICs that work in any of the UK nations.

Other requirements include having income of more than £75,000 a year, at least three unconnected trustees, directors or management committee members, and at least one set of filed annual accounts.

Applications can be made online and the deadline is 23 September. The successful applicants will be selected before the end of November.

The Santander Foundation said that in 2021 it supported 21 organisations delivering initiatives to equip people with the tools to make informed decisions about money among groups including young people, women, people with disabilities, refugees and prisoners.

For more information and to apply https://www.santandersustainability.co.uk/the-santander-foundation

Visual Impairment Merthyr Tydfil - Volunteers Needed !!

                                  

 Volunteers needed (Various roles available)

 ·    Could you help out with their monthly meetings?

 ·    Would you like to become a Treasurer?

 ·    Fancy telephone befriending and supporting them with referrals?

 Please contact the Volunteer Centre on 07958 132822 for further information.

Age Connects Morgannwg's Better @ Home Service

                        
This service is a weekly visit by our support worker for 6 to 8 weeks to provide support to those over 50 who have recently been discharged from hospital.

Please click on attached LEAFLET for more information, alternatively you can contact Tina Down, Service Manager on 07597 589729 or you can also find more information on their website, link below.

https://www.ageconnectsmorgannwg.org.uk/

 

Calling all Trustees...FREE TRAINING

 

FREE Webinar: Charity governance update

Webinar aim

To provide a summary of the latest updates and changes in charity law and governance and how they could affect your organisation.

Content

Good governance is essential to the resilience and success of voluntary organisations, but it can be difficult to stay informed.

This webinar will highlight ‘hot topics’ in charity governance, summarise the latest news and updates that could effect your organisation, and tell you where to find more information and resources.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the webinar participants will:

• Be aware of current ‘hot topics’ in charity governance
• Be aware of the latest alerts and updates from the Charity Commission and other regulators
• Be aware of new tools and resources that can support good governance
• Be aware of upcoming events

Who the session is for

This session will be useful for anyone with an interest in charity governance but will be particularly relevant for trustees and senior staff who are directly involved in the governance of a charity.

To book your place https://wcva.cymru/training-events/webinar-charity-governance-code-update/

Funding for Social Enterprises - Ecwiti Unltd

 

Ecwiti Unltd There are two levels of funding, which are: up to £8k for social enterprises starting up or running for under a year up to £18k for social enterprises running for over a year, but under four years The funding is for social entrepreneurs in Wales who: live or work in areas with high poverty rates are black, Asian and/or from a minority ethnic background are disabled have direct lived experience of the social issues they are setting out to solve Closing date : 30th September 2022 Click here for more information   website.  https://www.unltd.org.uk/awards/

Great jobs with Cymru Versus Arthritis

Cymru Versus Arthritis are now recruiting 2 x Service Coordinators to work across the South East of Wales. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to join our expanding Cwtch Project and make a difference to the lives of people living with arthritic and MSK conditions. 

Location: Home based
Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week
Salary: £25,622 per annum  £15,373 pro-rata
Contract type: Fixed Term until March 2025
Travel: Across the area
Closing date: 23:59, 4 September 2022

Service Co-ordinators – South East Wales | Fixed term, part time (versusarthritis.org)

Service Co-ordinators South East Wales - 21 hrs £15,373 (charityjobfinder.co.uk)

Older Peoples Commissioner for Wales Webinar Event

 

Webinar Event: Improving support and services for older men experiencing abuse

Thursday 27 October // 10:00-11:30am

Join the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales to examine the action being taken in response to her latest report ‘Improving support and services for older men experiencing domestic abuse’

and explore the ways we can work together to help to ensure that older men who experience abuse can get the help and support they need.

At the event you will hear from male survivors of abuse about their experiences, and the barriers they faced in reporting abuse and seeking help.

The Commissioner will also be joined by an expert panel to identify how we can break down these barriers, as well as practical ways in which support and services for older men experiencing or at risk of abuse could be improved. 

Book your place now: Improving Support Services for older men experiencing domestic abuse

Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil - Youth Led Grant Scheme Applications are now OPEN !

 

 You can apply for up to  £1,000 

The purpose of the Youth Led Grant Scheme is to fund exciting and worthwhile projects that create more volunteering opportunities for young people aged 14-25 within the Merthyr Tydfil area.

The panel assessing applications will consist of young people who are already part of the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Wide Youth Forum (MTBWYF).  The whole process from marketing the grant scheme to assessing grant applications will be led by the young people sitting on the panel.

Please note that the Youth Led Grants will be expected to fund projects which contribute towards the seven Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015) goals. (Please note: not all projects will have to deliver against all seven goals).

1. A Prosperous Wales
2. A Resilient Wales
3. A More Equal Wales
4. A Healthier Wales
5. A Wales of Cohesive Communities
6. A Wales of Vibrant Culture and Thriving Welsh Language
7. A Globally Responsible Wales

The funding will only be allocated to projects that will be led by young people aged 14-25 and it will be the responsibility of the young people, with the help of the organisation to fill in the application form. 

If you or the young people involved in your organisation can think of a project that would be of benefit to themselves and the community bearing in mind the 7 goals listed above, then please fill in the attached APPLICATION FORM paying attention to the guidance column whilst completing.

 All completed application forms are to be emailed to frances.barry@vamt.net

 The closing date for applications is Friday 23^rd September 2022.

 Any queries please contact Frances Barry on 07958 132822.

The Welsh Charity Awards 2022

 

The Welsh Charity Awards, organised by WCVA, recognise and celebrate the fantastic contribution charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers make to Wales by highlighting and championing the positive difference we can make to each other’s lives.

This campaign pack will give you everything you need to help spread word of the awards and get as many nominations as we can.  Please click HERE for more details 

Adult Learning Wales - Craft for All Course

                                                         

Adult Learning Wales are running a 8 week 'Craft For All' Course at Soar in Merthyr Tydfil

Please see attached POSTER for more information

Tenovus Cancer Care - Trustee Needed

                                                 

Tenovus are looking for a new Trustee to join their board of Trustees at Tenovus Cancer Care.

Please click ROLE PROFILE and TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT PACK for more information.

Getting Together Matters in the Autumn

Getting Together Matters is a project that provides free, fun online events for older people across the UK. From creative writing to seated exercise and weekly quizzes, the aim is to bring older people from across the UK together online, to have fun and take part in a range of free events and activities. We started during the pandemic, and are still going strong!

The aim of Getting Together Matters is really what it says on the tin – it’s getting people together, increasing engagement and decreasing isolation. The sessions are run by volunteers, who use their experience, skills and energy to run them for anyone who wants to join.

Getting Together Matters in the Autumn - what's happening?

New things:  

• We have some new informative & interesting talks which people can join online (or by phone)  & listen or join Q& A. Click  HERE for more information

• A new Creative writing course, this can be delved into in different ways; if you are a housing scheme (or group) then you can deliver this as a set of workshops (thoughtfully put together by our brilliant volunteers) or people can join individually. There is an option of joining online or calling in a fortnightly group by phone to do readthroughs with GTM. Please click on POSTER for more details

• Christmas has storytelling, online lunches, crafts & talks all lined up - we will let you know nearer the time. 

If you're interested in finding out what else is going on then please look at the Activities Calendar where everything is listed

Vacancies on the Grants and Sponsorship Panel for MVH tenants

 

Merthyr Valleys Homes Grants and Sponsorship scheme is currently open and we have a fantastic opportunity for MVH tenants.

We have vacancies on the Grants and Sponsorship Panel for MVH tenants.  

 This is a great opportunity for MVH tenants to make a difference in their community and we’d welcome anyone on board who is interested in ensuring that we fund groups that are making a difference on the ground in Merthyr Tydfil

 The commitment requirements for panel members is:

• To attend 3-4 panel meetings per year
• To read the application packs in advance of the panel meetings
• To give their views on the applications received and ensure all successful applicants meet the criteria for funding
• On occasion – to meet with the funded groups to discuss how the grant/sponsorship has benefit them and their community
• To promote MVH’s Grants and Sponsorship Fund within their communities.

 

All costs will be reimbursed and panel members have the option of joining us in person or remotely.

If you know of any tenant who might be interested in joining the panel please contact via the email address Grants@mvhomes.org.uk  for the attention of Hayley Broad

Progress of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund online event

 

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is hosting an online event on 7 September at 11 am, to assess progress and marshal the arguments that now need to be put to government. The APPG is inviting a wide range of stakeholders from across England, Scotland and Wales to provide their input. Click on the link below for more information and to register. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/progress-of-the-uk-shared-prosperity-fund-tickets-371147691737

Heritage Fund Nature Networks Funidng

 

Nature Networks Fund (round two)

 

This fund aims to strengthen the resilience of Wales’ network of protected land and marine sites, supporting nature’s recovery while actively encouraging community engagement.

Is this the right programme for you?

·        ​Are you an individual or organisation working with natural heritage in Wales?

·        Do you need funding for a nature-based project which is ready to start?

·        Does your project focus on improving wildlife and biodiversity in Wales?

·        Do you require a grant between £30,000 and £1million?

If you answered yes to these questions, then the Nature Networks Fund (round two) is for you.

Overview 

As a key element to the delivery of the Nature Networks Programme, the aim of the Nature Networks Fund is to improve the condition and resilience of Wales’ network of protected land and marine sites.

Improving the condition of these protected and connected sites will enable them to function better as nature networks. Nature networks are vital, resilient areas where habitats and species can thrive and expand. Restoring connectivity in these networks will:

• prevent further declines in species and habitat condition
• support nature recovery
• enhance capacity to adapt to the climate crisis

This fund will also support the active involvement of communities in and around protected sites. Strengthening engagement with nature has direct health and wellbeing benefits for people, as well as improving the resilience of the sites themselves. 

Application deadlines

Grants between £30,000 and £250,000: 12noon on 19 October 2022

 

Grants between £250,000 and £1million: mandatory Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: 20 September 2022 application deadline: 12noon on 7 December 2022

For further information click here

https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/nature-networks-fund-round-two

KFC Foundation Community Grant

 The KFC Foundation provides grants of up to £2,000 to support grass roots organisations in the heart of our communities. Organisations focused on empowering young people (11-24) in the UK to fulfil their potential and build a positive future.

Who can apply

• Benefit young people aged 11-25 years old

• Supports those in a position of social disadvantage (i.e. care leavers, those experiencing homelessness, young carers, young parents, young people at risk of or with experience of the criminal justice system)

• Empower young people to fulfil their potential and build a positive future by providing spaces that allow young people to feel safe and secure, helping them to unlock talent, build life skills, provide mentoring and improve their chances to gain meaningful employment.

• Will demonstrate positive results from their project within 12 months of our funding being received

• are based in the UK

• be a registered charity, a registered community interest company, an unincorporated club or association or an unregistered charity.

• have an annual income of no more than £300,000

• have existed for at least 12 months at the time of submission

• have a signed constitution/ governing documents

• have a bank account in its own name which requires two unrelated signatories/ dual authorisation

• have an active board of trustees or directors.

• have a suitable safeguarding policy.

 Eligible expenditure

Materials, activities, staff posts, staff training are covered by the grant funding

Closing date 26th September 12am

How to apply

Guidance on how to apply on our website  https://www.kfc.co.uk/kfc-foundation-community-grants

Free support for energy projects

 

The Welsh Government Energy Service works with the public sector and community groups to reduce energy use, generate locally owned renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions, helping deliver a stronger, fairer, greener Wales.

The Energy Service helps to accelerate carbon reduction projects by providing technical, commercial, and procurement advice to public sector organisations and community groups across Wales.

In 2021/22, the Energy Service supported the installation of over £59 million of energy efficiency, renewable energy and zero emission vehicle projects, including 17MW of renewable electricity. They also worked with 22 community enterprises to help develop and implement energy projects.

The Energy Service can provide support on different types of projects depending on your organisation:

Public sector

• Energy efficiency projects, reducing the energy an organisation uses
• Renewable energy, to generate more energy on the public estate
• Fleet projects to support zero emissions vehicle adoption and charge points to facilitate their use

Community groups

• Community owned renewable energy: projects that harness Wales’ natural resources to generate clean energy

It also works with regional groups to build energy planning strategies tailored to each part of Wales.

Community energy projects supported by the Energy Service include a community-owned wind turbine, a solar array to complement an existing renewable energy source, small-scale community owned hydro-power, and more.

If your community group needs help developing, implementing, or funding an energy project, the Energy Service can help you. It can help projects at each of these stages:

• opportunity identification
• business case
• financial commitment
• implementation
• securing funding

Each community enterprise will have a dedicated Energy Service development manager to help you along each step of the way.

For more information about how the Welsh Government Energy Service can help your community group, please visit the Energy Service webpage or email enquiries@energyservice.wales.

St Illtyd’s, Dowlais Needs Your Help!

 

St Illtyd’s Church in Dowlais want to hear from you! 

We are planning for the future and would be grateful if residents/originations could complete this short survey to tell us what you want from your community.

https://forms.gle/UYP9SJKwaWUtbiCV6

Welsh Government consultation

 

Welsh Government is  seeking your views on whether their draft action plan addresses the major risk factors facing people who are at risk of abuse or neglect.

Consultation description

We are consulting on whether the draft action plan will:

• help older people live independently and with dignity
• give older people who are at risk of abuse or neglect adequate support from safeguarding services
• help older people experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence access relevant support
• protect older people receiving care and support from abuse or neglect

Please see link for further information and how to respond

https://gov.wales/draft-action-plan-end-abuse-and-neglect-older-people-wales

Closing date 17 October 2022

Dementia Community Capacity Grant Scheme

                                   

Dementia Community Capacity Grant Scheme

 Small Revenue Grants (up to £15,000)

Deadline – 12th September 2022

Supported by the Welsh Government Regional Integration Fund

Small Grants:

Small Grants of up to £15,000 are available for projects led by voluntary and community groups/organisations based and working in Merthyr Tydfil or Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Purpose:

•         Combat loneliness and isolation of people living with dementia, their family and carers

•         Prevent unnecessary access to statutory services/support discharge

•         Support beneficiary groups to maintain their health, wellbeing and independence

•         Helping community and voluntary organisations build capacity

Who For?

Projects will need to:

(a)      support one or more of the following beneficiary Groups:

•         People living with Dementia

•         Carers/Family of people living with dementia

How?

Application Form and Guidelines can be requested from

Anne Morris - Interlink:  07736 587912 amorris@interlinkrct.org.uk

Karen Vowles - VAMT:  07503 954158 karen.vowles@vamt.net

Guide Dogs Cymru - Volunteer Taster Day in Cardiff (if you love dogs, you'll love this)

 

On Friday the 9^th of September Guide Dogs Cymru is hosting a Volunteer Taster Day at the Cardiff office in St Mellons, CF3 5EA.

Information about the Taster Day!
See some of our amazing dogs in training, find out how to become a My Sighted Guide volunteer and get involved with the fundraising team. We need people like you to be our face in your local community and help us raise money to change lives. 

You don’t need to book - just turn up and bring your family, friends or work colleagues!  Please see for POSTER further information

 

Community Music Wales - FREE Soundwalks at the Hive

 

For more information and to book your place contact 

admin@communitymusicwales.org.uk

Platfform - Free support sessions

 

Charity awards nominations now open!

Returning after a two year absence the Welsh Charity Awards, in partnership with ITV, aim to highlight the amazing work of the voluntary sector.

CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS IS 20TH SEPTEMBER

The Welsh Charity Awards, organised by WCVA, recognise and celebrate the fantastic contribution charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers make to Wales by highlighting and championing the positive difference we can make to each other’s lives.

Since the last awards ceremony, the voluntary sector has become even more essential. In the face of multiple crises affecting society, charities and volunteers have pulled together to make a difference to the lives of people across Wales.

This is your opportunity to celebrate charities, community groups and voluntary organisations that you feel have gone above and beyond to offer compassion and support as well as vital services within your community.

There are five categories to nominate in:

Volunteer of the year (volunteers aged 26 or over)

This award will go to an individual who stands out by making an extra special contribution to their community or environment through their volunteering.

Young volunteer of the year (volunteers aged 25 or under)

This may be the volunteer who leads and inspires others, or who goes ‘over and above to ‘get things done’.

Digital pioneers

This award will go to a group or organisation which has used digital in an innovative way to make a huge difference to people’s lives.

Wellbeing in Wales

This award will go to a group or organisation that has made a positive difference to their community by improving mental and/or physical wellbeing.

Organisation of the year

This award will go to an outstanding organisation which has achieved a huge amount in the last year and is well respected and admired by others in the sector.

KEY DATES FOR 2022

Nominations open- 4 August

Closing date for nominations- 20 September

Winners receive notification- week commencing 10 October

Winner’s reception at ITV Cymru Wales Studios Cardiff- 22 November

Winners feature on ITV Cymru Wales news at 6pm during Welsh Charities Week – 21-25 November 2022

You can make your nominations by visiting walescharityawards.cymru.

Ray of light Family event 18th August

 

Ray of Light Family Event, it’s for anyone affected by cancer at Cynon Valley Organics, Abercynon on Thursday 10.30 til 12.30 on Thursday 18^th August

There will be free activities, toasted marshmallows, mocktails, welly wanging, connecting with nature and making paint brushes and lots more.

They hold weekly groups at  Velindre Cancer Centre, Bridgend and RCT as well as online activities and sessions.

 Any additional information needed, please contact, Sue Norris.

suenorris@rayoflightwales.org.uk