More grants open for Welsh language community projects

As the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod is held in Boduan, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language is encouraging new community projects to apply for funding.

The Welsh Government is inviting community groups to apply for small grants to help set up new or support the growth of community-led co-operatives, social enterprises, and housing projects. The funding, known as Project Perthyn Small Grants, is part of the Welsh Language Communities Housing Plan.

The grant is aimed to help create economic opportunities, provide affordable housing, and support Welsh-speaking communities with a high density of second homes.

This is the second round of the grant. 21 projects secured funding in the first round, including four located near the Eisteddfod in Gwynedd:

• Menter y Plu received £8,000 to develop the pub they bought in Llanystumdwy to host community events.
• £12,000 was awarded to Bro’r Eifl, a group working to develop a community-led housing scheme.
• Melin Daron were granted £12,000 to support and establish the Aberdaron’s historic grade II water mill to educate people about the area’s heritage and provide accommodation for local people within the property.
• Menter Rabar – Abersoch received a grant of £12,430. This was established in February 2023 to lease or purchase the former Ysgol Abersoch building from Gwynedd Council. The aim is to refurbish the former school and to use as a hub in the village centre, run by the community for the benefit of the community.

Applications for the second round of funding will be open from 12:30pm on Tuesday August 8th. An application form and guidance are available here.

The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles said: “Small projects can make a big difference in our communities. We’re already seeing communities near the Eisteddfod Maes taking the initiative to deliver innovative projects. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of creativity, learning about ideas and hearing about people’s experiences this week at the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol in Boduan.

“We have seen so many creative ideas on how communities are supporting Cymraeg on the ground and have also seen the impact a small pot of funding can have. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that there’s another chance for community groups to apply for support. If you’re a community group running a project that will support the Welsh language in your community and you’re ready to take it to the next step, I would encourage you to apply for Prosiect Perthyn Small Grant.”

The grant will be administrated by Cwmpas. Jocelle Lovell, Director of Inclusive Communities at Cwmpas said: “Following the success of the pilot grant, Cwmpas are really pleased to be administering a second round. The grants have and will make such a difference to Welsh speaking communities with a high density of second homes. The revenue grants help build local capacity and accelerate community ideas for new enterprises, cooperatives, and affordable housing projects.”