Neath Port Talbot Council has opened the window for applications to its Third Sector Grant Fund for the 2024-25 financial year..

The ‘third sector’ is an umbrella term covering a range of different organisations which belong neither to the public sector nor the private sector (profit-making private enterprises) and are often referred to as voluntary sector, non-governmental or non-profit organisations.

The council will continue to focus the Third Sector Grant Fund specifically on activities that will help our communities impacted by the cost of living crisis, those still feeling the effects of the Covid pandemic and will further develop community capacity and collaboration.

New, emerging and established voluntary groups, community organisations and social enterprises are invited to apply to the £239,000 fund when applications are invited from August 7th, 2023 until 13th October 2023. There are three categories of funding: support for core funding of more than £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 large projects.

Cllr Simon Knoyle, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, said:

“The response of community organisations across Neath Port Talbot to support those affected by the cost of living crisis has been remarkable.

“The Third Sector Grant Fund will allow those organisations to come forward to continue to make a significant and valued contribution to the wellbeing of people across the county borough, especially those individuals who are still feeling the impact of the pandemic and the significant rise in energy costs.”

In an effort to improve the process, applicants will have the choice of applying online at https://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 686219.