We are delighted to announce details of the latest Micro Fund grant awards – once again, we received proposals from a wide range of community groups and businesses – the variety is always amazing and we look forward to reading every one. We are grateful to all who submitted applications. Our Fund communities are full of creative and energetic people – all working really hard to improve facilities and create opportunities. You can see a full list of awards here.
As ever, we received many more applications than we were able to support. 69 applications were submitted in this round, requesting a total of £260,000. After careful consideration and assessment, the Pen y Cymoedd Board has awarded £107,164 to 30 community groups and 9 businesses (a 57 % success rate) with £80,884 brought in as match funding. Awards include:
£4,613 to Glynneath Community Events Panel in Neath Valley: this community organisation is working to restore community spirit and pride. To enable community events to take place whatever the weather, the grant will support the purchase of marquees, folding chairs and a PA system. Already planned are a Halloween storytelling and craft event, a Christmas nativity parade, Noson Lawen, Community Awards, a Community Carnival and Glynneath Proms – all will benefit from the equipment. It will also be available (at a small charge) for use by other organisations in the community, removing hire charges and reducing costs. The charge will ensure that funds are available to maintain or replace items as necessary.
£4,697 to Cymer Afan Community Fitness Suite in Afan Valley: this entirely volunteer run facility is newly based in Cymer Afan Sports Hall following the closure of Cymer Afan Comprehensive School. The Suite offers a range of cardio, fitness and weight training equipment and exercise classes, all supporting the wellbeing of people in the Upper Afan Valley. The grant will support the installation of safety netting in the large Hall, allowing it to be divided in two to maximise usage – the Fitness Suite in one half with the remaining space available for others to hire and use. This will help the group to bring in additional income to make the facility sustainable.
£3,229 to The Aman Tavern: a popular and family friendly local pub in Godreaman in the Cynon Valley, offering a range of drinks and homecooked food (including vegetarian and vegan options) which can be home delivered if needed. The venue hosts darts and pool teams, regular fundraising events for good causes, and community group meetings. The grant will support the purchase of essential kitchen equipment to cope with the growing demand for food – leading to the creation of 3 new jobs in the local community.
£5,000 to Cwmparc Community Association in the Rhondda Valley: this well-used and welcoming community facility provides a range of activities and services, and enables people of all ages to meet together to socialise, eat, exercise and maintain healthy lifestyles at low cost. The grant supports the employment of a part time gym instructor in the newly refurbished and upgraded gym. The aim is to extend opening hours and recruit new members, so that income generated will sustain the instructor post.