73 community projects across Rhondda Cynon Taf have been granted funding as part of UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
Local community groups and organisations were invited to bid for the SPF funding via our Community Grant. We will contact all applicants in the coming days to notify them if their project was successful in securing funding.
There was a total of 156 applications received, with a combined project total of around £12 million pounds, against £4.5 million of funding available . All applications went through a tough decision making process due to the value of the projects far exceeding the allocation of SPF funding we received.
Officers assessed the applications against the published assessment criteria, geographical representation, thematic areas and national data.
We understand that some organisations will be disappointed, and our Community Development Team are working with Interlink RCT to provide ongoing support to all organisations to strengthen future applications to our Community Grant or other external funding opportunities.
However, in response to the huge demand from community groups and organisations, we have allocated additional funding to support more projects.
We have made an extra £165,000 available for additional Community Grants, and a further £160,000 to the Neighbourhood Network, Food Fund, and new Shared Prosperity Fund Community Micro Grant, ensuring that activity of merit, value and meeting community need receives funding.
These small grants will open for applications by the end of June 2023.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the number of applications we have received from community groups and organisations for UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
“Clearly, demand has outstripped supply, but I am pleased that we will provide extra funding in addition to the SPF, to support more projects in our communities.
“I understand that some organisations and groups may be disappointed, however, I urge you all to get in touch with our Community Development Team and Interlink RCT to strengthen future applications and better your chances of securing future funding.
“The additional fund of £160,000 through the Neighbourhood Network will be launched by the end of this month.
“Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has been very successful in securing UK Government funding for projects, and we want as many of our community groups and organisations to benefit from this."
Posted on 07/06/2023