Nearly £2 million of UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding is set to be allocated to third sector organisations in Rhondda Cynon Taf next year, providing a boost to nearly 100 community projects across the region. The Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has confirmed the list of organisations that will benefit from this funding, with a total of £1.8 million earmarked for community grant funding in the 2025/2026 financial year.
The funding will be distributed for both capital and revenue purposes, intended to address the specific needs of the communities within the region. The grant allocation is divided into three levels, ranging from micro awards of up to £1,000 to medium-level awards of up to £45,000. Applications for the micro-level awards are expected to open in the summer of 2025.
A total of 203 applications were received for the lower and medium-level funding categories, with a combined value of £4.5 million. Out of these applications, 93 projects spanning 118 locations within Rhondda Cynon Taf were either fully or partially approved for funding through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund RCTCBC Community Grant Programme.
The selected projects represent a diverse range of community initiatives, spanning from sports and recreation to arts, social welfare, and environmental conservation. Organisations such as Mountain Ash RFC, Cynon Taf Community Housing, and the Rhondda Arts Festival are among those approved for lower level funding, while groups like Tylorstown RFC, Age Connects Morgannwg, and National Dance Company Wales are set to receive medium level funding.
Additionally, 10 organisations have been partially approved for lower level funding, including Nature by the Taff and Friends of Wattstown Memorial Park, while 19 organisations have received partial approval for medium level funding, such as Cymuned Real Skillz and The Black Sheep Project. These projects aim to make a positive impact on the local communities and address various social and environmental challenges.
Overall, the allocation of nearly £2 million in funding reflects the commitment of the UK Government and the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to supporting grassroots initiatives and community-led projects that strive to enhance the quality of life for residents in the region. The diverse range of organisations selected for funding underscores the importance of community engagement and collaboration in driving positive change and promoting social cohesion.
As the funds are disbursed and the projects get underway, it is expected that these community initiatives will play a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging, promoting well-being, and creating opportunities for residents to actively participate in shaping their local communities. The impact of this funding allocation is likely to be felt across various sectors, contributing to the overall development and resilience of Rhondda Cynon Taf as a thriving community.