7 July 1998

1,500 Charities Board grants distributed in Wales

The National Lottery Charities Board today announced the latest grant recipients under the Small grants scheme which brings the total number of grants awarded in Wales to 1,500.

Wales Chairman, Tom Jones, said, "This tremendous number of grants, amounting to worth over £48 million, gives us an opportunity to reflect on the benefits these grants have brought to communities across Wales. More so because many of the large three-year projects have now successfully been established as viable projects thanks to support in the communities and the media. We have not forgotten, however, that the 1,500 grants represent the successes and that many more have been either unsuccessful or have lacked the confidence to apply, while others may still be unaware of the grant opportunities available to them. Passing this milestone therefore only serves to spur us on to ensure that all in need are aware of the opportunities offered by the Charities Board and that voluntary groups are encouraged to try and try again.

"Groups seeking funding for major projects ranging from capital investment, including disability access, to encouraging volunteering should apply for a Community involvement grant, whereas the Small grants scheme caters for groups seeking smaller amounts of funding quickly."

A total of 17 groups were awarded £45,095 between them in the latest Small grants round which was brought forward to ensure funds were released in time for summer projects. Several of the projects involved summer activities for the young such as Llanwrtyd Wells Holiday Playscheme awarded £625 and Mold and District Youth Development Group awarded £550. Numerous senior citizens groups will also benefit from funding to support summer activities and group outings including the Elderly Retirement Group in Caerphilly awarded £1,000 and the Llanmorlais Senior Citizens awarded £4,400.