Neath Port Talbot Council has earmarked more than half a million pounds for its Third Sector Grant Funding Scheme in 2023-24.

The scheme is open to applications from Third Sector organisations operating in the county borough, often referred to as voluntary sector, non-governmental or non-profit organisations.

New, emerging and established voluntary groups, community organisations and social enterprises can now submit applications.

There are three categories – support for core funding over £1,000, support for activities under £1,000 and support of £1,000 or more for activities relating to costs other than core funding, such as projects.  Applications will close on Friday 14 October 2022.

Cllr. Simon Knoyle, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice said:

“The council and Third Sector organisations have had a long and productive relationship and we want this to continue to grow so we can encourage more Third Sector organisations to get involved in applying for funding.

“We also recognise and value the contribution of volunteers and Third Sector organisations in supporting the wellbeing of local people and our communities.

“We want to emphasise to our Third Sector partners that The Third Sector Grant Funding scheme is sustainable and is here for the long term to help them with projects that support our residents and communities.

“Ensuring all our communities are thriving and sustainable is one of the objectives in our Corporate Plan – Recover, Reset, Renew. Initiatives such as our Third Sector Grant Funding Scheme and working alongside NPT Council for Voluntary Service to encourage and further develop community and voluntary organisations will help us to achieve this.”

In this round of funding the council is specifically focusing the grant fund on activities that demonstrate:

• How proposed activities will support the delivery of the council’s policies and priorities. These are summarised in the council’s corporate plan 2022-2027
• How proposed activities will reduce demand on council services
• How council funding will be used to lever in additional resources in support of council policies and priorities are particularly welcomed.
• Financial sustainability – the council will wish to be satisfied that the applicant is not dependent on continuing council funding to achieve financial sustainability.
• A focus on activities that will help community groups / societies recover from the pandemic
• Further developing community capacity / collaboration – building from the community action that supported the response to the Covid-19 pandemic

Applicants can apply online at www.npt.gov.uk/thirdsectorgrants, alternatively, application forms can be downloaded from the same web page or paper copies can be obtained by ringing (01639) 686567 or emailing [email protected]