Grants are available for community groups to fund projects that show strong community involvement and help bring people and communities together. These grants are supported by Ventient Energy through funds generated from the Taff Ely Wind Farm. Grants may be awarded for capital or revenue up to a maximum of £500. The total available over the year is £2,500.

Who can apply?

The fund is available to any community group within the following areas of benefit:

• Rhondda Cynon Taf: Gilfach Goch, Tonyrefail, Thomastown, Llanharan
• Bridgend County Borough: Blackmill, Evanstown, Bryncae, Heol Y Cyw

A group can apply once every 6 months, a maximum of 2 applications per year, subject to availability. The Fund is administered by Interlink RCT in partnership with Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations.

Your application should show how your project will support one or more of the following criteria:

• How you work together with other groups in your community; for example, to provide and promote a wider range of information and advice to the community.
• Supports coproduction and community involvement, involving people and those with lived experience to be involved and have a voice.
• Provide ongoing support, information and advice to people of all ages and abilities in the community to keep safe, warm, fed and connected and with the cost of living generally, e.g. managing money, cooking on a budget, access to low cost food.
• Improve accessibility and transport to activities and facilities, including those with mobility issues and people with disabilities.
• Projects or activities supporting children, young people and families.
• Help with fuel poverty or improve energy efficiency in your community building.
• Projects which encourage communities to tackle climate change and make use of outdoor spaces.
• Start-up grants or pilot projects based on an identified community need.
• Volunteers’ expenses and recognition. This includes activities/celebrations for Volunteers Week 2024.
• Projects promoting involvement in or access to artistic / cultural activities and events.
• Planned seasonal activities will only be supported where they meet one or more of the above criteria and can demonstrate a longer-term benefit

Please note the following conditions:

• Grant applicants are required to discuss their project with a member of staff from Interlink RCT and/or Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations before submitting their application.
• Projects should not stigmatise people, and people should not have to provide evidence of need (unless required by an external funder).
• Relevant policies must be in place, we support you to put them in place if needed.
• The fund only supports not for profit organisations.
• Activities must take place in the area of benefit.
• All activities must be risk assessed
• You need to have in adequate public and/or employers liability insurance in place. Do I need liability-insurance?
• Safeguards must in place to protect and safeguard children and vulnerable adults Guidance on safeguarding

For an application form and to find out more, contact: grants@interlinkrct.org.uk.