22-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Council launches fund to help community groups flourish
The Community Progression Grants scheme is offering between £500 and £40,000 to organisations.
The money can go towards improving community buildings, support. and expanding existing projects or establishing new ones in response to local need.
Last year, a similar programme provided 73 grants to groups including Cwmavon Community Association, which received a £18,342 to improve its community hall, increase security and develop the hall for broader use.
Phil Davis, from Cwmavon Community Association, said: "In the first few months of 2024 we were averaging about 20 events and about 150 people using the hall every month.
"This year, we have held around 35 events per month, with around 300 people using the hall every month.
"The improvements have led to a feeling of greater security and wellness, and have allowed us to offer more facilities while becoming more financially sustainable.'
Cllr Fiona Cross, executive member for communities, said: "The work of organisations like Cwmavon Community Association is invaluable to their communities.
"Activities delivered within and by a local community can be a really effective way to empower residents to be active and independent, and the grant is aimed at supporting this."
The fund has received £450,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Organisations can apply for capital grants of up to £20,000 to improve buildings or buy equipment, and revenue grants of up to £20,000 to deliver activities.
The deadline for submission of applications is 8am Monday August 18, 2025. For more information email CommunityResilienceGrants@
