Welsh Church Act Fund 2024-25

 

**Please note that the WCAF for 24/25 is now fully allocated, with the exception of capital funding for churches, chapels and places of worship. See details below on eligibility and how to apply for capital funding should you meet the criteria.**

 

What is the Welsh Church Acts Fund?

The Welsh Church Act Fund is a Charitable Trust Fund, governed by the Welsh Church Act 1914.

The aim of the fund is to award grants of a philanthropic nature for a wide-range of purposes to benefit the people of Pembrokeshire.

 

Who can apply?

The fund is open to all voluntary, charitable or benevolent groups based in Pembrokeshire.

Applications are invited from:

• Churches, chapels, places of public worship
• Registered charities
• Constituted voluntary and community groups
• Not for profit organisations/social enterprises
• Local branches of national third section organisations
• You can bid using the parent body constitution but you must have your own bank account. We will also require confirmation that the parent body supports the application
• Informal or formal (constituted) consortium working on a particular project.
• All the organisations involved in an informal consortium must be eligible in their own right and must provide a copy of their constitution or governing document. The application form should be completed by the lead organisation who will be legally responsible for the grant and will receive the funding, should the application be successful

We are unable to accept applications from:

• Private sector organisations
• Individual beneficiaries

or for:

• Any activity in relation to party political purposes
• Applications on behalf of other organisations in the name of a professional fundraiser (exceptions may be made for Town and Community Councils applying on behalf of a community group)

 

What can you apply for?

Our current focus is the relief of local poverty, in line with our recently published ‘Tackling Poverty Strategy’ and our wider collective priority of poverty alleviation within Pembrokeshire.

You can apply for a grant for the following purposes:

• Relief of poverty 
• Refurbishment of a community building or places of worship
• Advancement of education 
• Libraries, museums, art galleries, etc…
• Advancement of religion 
• Other purposes beneficial to the community

Please note: Churches, chapels and other places of worship in Pembrokeshire are eligible to apply but are limited to applications for building or other capital works e.g. renovation or repair

 

How much can be awarded through the grant?

Grants up to a maximum of £5,000 can be awarded to successful applicants.

Please note: In some instances, grant payments will only be made on receipt of appropriate documentation; for example, receipts, invoices or other suitable proof of expenditure.

 

When to apply

Applicants are permitted to apply once each financial year.

There will be set bidding rounds. Fully developed applications can be submitted at any time to be assessed at the next scheduled meeting.

Please note: There is no guarantee that all applications will be successful. Unsuccessful applicants will receive feedback and if appropriate, invited to re-submit. There is no right to appeal.

If the annual fund is fully allocated, the application portal will close for that financial year.

 

How are applications assessed?

Applications for funding are considered on a quarterly basis by a panel.

All applications are assessed against the same criteria and applicants will be required where appropriate, to demonstrate:

• Charitable status/charitable objectives
• Satisfactory constitutional, financial management and administration arrangements
• Full financial information including income and expenditure, and other sources of finance
• Funding will support the provision of a local service to the residents of Pembrokeshire
• An equal opportunities policy is in operation
• Need for the project

In addition, projects should be able to show they:

• Have support from the local community and partner organisations through appropriate consultation.
• Are well thought out, have clear financial plans and can be delivered.
• Consider future sustainability.
• Add value to existing activities and are complementary to other projects and initiatives.
• Meet current and future needs and opportunities in their communities (through consultation)
• Have considered how the project can benefit those who share protected characteristics (opens in a new tab).

We also expect successful applicants to:

• Acknowledge any financial assistance granted by the Council in any advertising /literature that is produced.  
• Adhere to the Welsh Language Standards. Part of our bilingual policy, encourages those who receive financial assistance from the Council to provide their services or activities bilingually, wherever possible. 
• Advice and guidance on bilingual good practice is available on request

How to apply

All applicants are required to complete an application form

Welsh Church Acts Fund application form

 

*If you are applying for funding on behalf of a church, chapel or public place of worship, please complete the form below and return directly to jenny.ruloff@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Welsh Church Act Fund application form for churches, chapels and places of worship

 

Please note: Incomplete forms will not be put forward for further assessment. Only one application per group or organisation will be  permitted for each financial year.

 

Further information

If you have any questions or queries about theWelsh Church Act Fund in Pembrokeshire, or the application process please contact: WCAF@pembrokeshire.gov.uk