£5 million is being made available to upgrade and transform spaces where people in communities gather across Wales.
The Welsh Government is allocating the additional funding to the Community Facilities Programme (CFP) this year, subject to Senedd approval in July.
CFP helps voluntary and community organisations improve well used and much needed community facilities – like community centres, grassroot sports facilities and libraries – through refurbishment leading to improvements that benefit local people.
This year, the investment will be used to allow more community led projects to access funding.
Through the programme, grants of up to £300,000 can be made for large community led projects and up to £25,000 for smaller scale improvements.
Deputy First Minister, Sioned Williams said:
“Our communities are at their strongest when people have welcoming, accessible shared spaces to enjoy.
“This £5 million investment helps to create places where everyone belongs, where friendships are forged and where local life can truly thrive. From libraries to sports facilities, I’m proud that we can support more spaces that bring people together – helping communities across Wales to flourish.”
The Deputy First Minister visited Cymmer Afan Library in Neath yesterday, which was previously awarded £181,300 to refurbish the facility.
Service manager at Cymmer Afan Library, Elinor Davies said:
“The funding enabled us to expand our programme of activities, events and support services, for example our food bank and food pantry, helping us reach families, children, young people and older residents across our community.
“As a community library, we are much more than a place to borrow books, we are a welcoming, accessible space where people come together to learn, volunteer, connect, support one another, use Welsh and feel part of their community.”
