December 28, 2021 - 772 views
£7 million a year has been allocated to support Wales’ voluntary sector over the current Welsh Government’s term, a commitment of over £21 million across the next 3 years.
The announcement follows the publication of the draft Budget by Finance Minister Rebecca Evans last week.
This is in addition to around £7 million provided every year by the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme, a grant scheme of up to £250,000 for the improvement of local community projects and facilities.
The £7 million of annual funding, beginning in 2022, will be provided to the Third Sector Support Wales. This partnership comprises of 20 organisations - 19 County Voluntary Councils supporting each county area and the national membership body for voluntary organisations, Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA).
These organisations provide an infrastructure to all of Wales’ voluntary sector organisations under 4 pillars of activity identified in partnership with Welsh Government:
- Volunteering
- Good governance
- Sustainable funding
- Engagement and influencing.
Additionally, the long-standing Community Facilties Programme will continue to provide small and large grants to well-used community projects to improve their sustainability and provide opportunities for local people to improve their day-to-day lives.
Minister for Social Justice and with responsibility for Wales’ third sector, Jane Hutt, said:
It has been yet another difficult year for many of us, but our community, charitable and third sector organisations have remained steadfast in their support for all.
Continuing to commit considerable funding through both our Third Sector Support Wales network and Community Facilities Programme will allow our wonderful hyper-local projects as well as wider-ranging organisations to evolve and grow in their areas, ensure they remain fit-for-purpose and available for anyone who requires them.
CEO of WCVA, Ruth Marks, said: "Third Sector Support Wales is a unique partnership supporting local, regional and national charitable and voluntary action. Our members are active in every community and make a significant contribution in every walk of life.
"This financial support will enable us to maintain and develop our services to meet current and emerging needs in the sector."
Applications for the Community Facilities Programme are open year-round and organisations can find out more by searching for Community Facilities Programme on GOV.WALES.
