27 February 2008

Opening the Community Chest Fund - Gwynedd Voluntary Development Fund 2008/09

During the past year, voluntary and community groups throughout Gwynedd have benefited from support through the Gwynedd Community Chest funds.

The grants which are administered by Gwynedd Council are available to voluntary and community groups in Gwynedd in order to deliver projects which will improve the quality of life of residents, groups and communities throughout the county.

Councillor Dafydd Iwan, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for Development said:

“Since establishing the Cist Gwynedd funds, a large number of voluntary and community groups from all parts of Gwynedd have made the most of the opportunity to receive financial support to realise schemes which benefit their communities.

“What’s special about the schemes which have been supported by the Cist Gwynedd funds is that they have stemmed directly from local communities, ensuring social, economic and environmental developments.

“The successful schemes are proof that Gwynedd’s organisations to work together to develop projects that answer people’s needs and their communities, promoting enterprise in their midst. I am confident that the success of the Cist Gwynedd package will continue and that the projects that have already been developed will provide a firm foundation for the future to ensure the prosperity and success of our communities.”

Gwynedd’s voluntary and community groups can present new applications for the Voluntary Development Grant - a revenue and capital grant of approximately £240,000 for 2008/09.

The Voluntary Development Fund will support projects throughout the county which can demonstrate it meets one or more of the following objectives :

·       improving social, linguistic, cultural and recreational opportunities.
·       enhancing employment prospects, enterprise and skills of the local people, particularly young people and those at a disadvantage and promote equality of opportunity for all.

·       safeguarding and improving the local environment and infrastructure and bring land and buildings into effective use.

·       improving community safety and prevent or reducing the fear of crime
·       promote, conserve, enrich and improve the environment/reduce pollution.
·       promote and support voluntary action and volunteering and working together to reach common goals.
·       encourage joint working and increase pride and confidence.
·       contribute towards reducing deprivation in the most deprived areas.

Applications for the Voluntary Development Grants are expected to be presented by 31 March, and then 30 June (dependant on unallocated funds available).

To receive an application pack or for further information, please contact the Cist Gwynedd Administration Team on 01286 679 153