MORE than £870,000 has been pumped into Denbighshire’s voluntary sector through the DVSC Key Fund, backing 51 organisations and helping services on the ground grow, adapt and reach more people.
The funding programme, one of the most in-demand DVSC has delivered, drew 99 applications from across the county.
An incredible £871,620 was awarded in the last year, including £212,114 in capital funding for buildings, equipment and long-term assets, and £659,506 in revenue funding to keep services running or expand on what’s already working. Of the projects supported, six were capital and 45 focused on day-to-day delivery.
The impact of that investment was celebrated at the Key Fund Celebration Event, where groups, volunteers and partners came together to share their success stories.
Held at St Peter’s Church in Ruthin, the event brought the programme to life, with testimonials from organisations now delivering more support, reaching new people and strengthening local networks as a result of the fund.
Janine Downing, Chief Officer of DVSC, said: “It is always inspiring to bring organisations and people together and celebrate the real life impact the funding we have administered has had across Denbighshire.
“The voluntary sector can provide exciting opportunities to support our communities, but it is essential they themselves are given the right support to be resilient and sustainable which allows them to continue to deliver real impact – the Key Fund has allowed us to provide that support in a unique way.”
Guests heard directly from grant recipients during a Q&A session following the premiere of DVSC’s new Key Fund films, which showcased the difference investment is making on the ground.
The event also featured guest speaker Rob Dalton, a North Wales-based artist and founder of Daltonwood, who spoke about creativity as a practical tool for improving wellbeing and helping people reconnect with themselves, with others and with their surroundings.
Television presenter and podcaster Gareth ‘Gaz Top’ Jones hosted the afternoon, with catering provided by guest chef Marc Macauley.
DVSC chair Chris Ruane added: “The success of the Key Fund highlights both the demand for support and the incredible impact the voluntary sector delivers every day.
“By investing in these organisations, we are investing in the future wellbeing and resilience of communities across Denbighshire.”
DVSC extended its thanks to everyone involved in the programme and event, including funded organisations, partners and supporters.
Local funding distribution remains a significant part of DVSC’s work, helping organisations build resilience, sustain services and respond to growing demand across Denbighshire.
Since the start of the Key Fund in September 2023, DVSC has awarded £2,272,146 to 132 organisations.
