Wales: £19 Million made available to local community

The fund will be distributed throughout the lifetime of the project. It is now open for small applications up to £10,000 and for grants over £10,000.

Paul Cowling, Managing Director RWE Innogy UK said “Communities hosting our projects are especially important to us. We are proud that RWE will be changing many lives for the good over the lifetime of the Gwynt y y Mor wind farm, creating a lasting legacy with an investment of more than £19million.”

Launched in July 2015 the fund is independently managed by Community & Voluntary Support Conwy (CVSC). An independent advisory panel is now in place, comprising of community representatives from each of the counties as well as independent experts. They will meet on a quarterly basis to assess applications.

Three successful launch events have already been held in Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire. Interest levels were very high with almost 200 people in attendance, eager to hear how the fund can help their project ideas get off the ground. CVSC staff have since hosted a number of follow on meetings with a wide and diverse number of groups from across the three counties to explain the application process in further detail.

A wide range of enquiries have been received to date. From localised groups seeking no more than £500 for local community improvements, to larger more strategic cross county projects focussing on safety, education, training and the mentoring of young people into employment. More specifically, new social enterprise opportunities to develop a Welsh speaking nursery service along with providing improved amenities in the heart of Rhyl have all been discussed.

Wendy Jones CVSC's Chief Officer commented; "We have been delighted with the community's response to the launch of the Gwynt y Môr Fund. The scheme is only weeks old, but the level of interest shown and diversity of projects from across the region is very encouraging. The Gwynt y Môr grants programme provides us all with a great platform to create a positive and lasting impact on our communities not just today but well into the future. We are pleased to be working with RWE and partners and encourage any voluntary groups looking for help or support to contact our Gwynt y Môr team."

First project submissions have already been submitted with officers undertaking initial assessments in preparation for submission to the fund's grants panel. The application window is still open. Local groups are urged to get in touch with potential ideas for funding or with any enquiries.