Welsh Church Fund

The Welsh Church Fund derives from the Welsh Church Act 1914 (under the Welsh Church Fund Acts 1914 – 1945 and the Local Government Act (Wales) 1993). Cyngor Gwynedd administrates the fund and allocates the interest from the fund in grant form annually to registered charities in Gwynedd.

What is the purpose of the fund?

The aim of the Church Fund is to promote and support activities by charities which will benefit the people of Gwynedd and enrich the local communities.

The purpose is to enable the voluntary sector to play a full role within Gwynedd communities by reflecting one or more of the following objectives:

(i) Promote information and appreciation of Welsh arts and literature

(ii) Provide or support the provision of facilities for entertainment or other leisure time activity.

(iii) Promote architectural, historical or scientific interest involving Wales.

Who can apply for the grant?

Any registered charity can apply for this grant from Cyngor Gwynedd’s Church Fund, including:

local eisteddfodau
fine arts
education establishments
sport and leisure establishments
conservation organisations
charities who support sick or disabled people

The allocations are expected to support projects that strengthen and develop companies and enterprises within the voluntary sector.

How much money is available?

Applications up to £3,000.00 are welcome.

The fund will not consider applications for support by the same organisation for a period of three years from the date of the previous successful application.

Guidelines

The grant includes capital and revenue funding.
Every grant must be in accordance with Cyngor Gwynedd’s Welsh Church Fund Charity Scheme.
Further guidelines were adopted to define areas and the type of applicant who is likely to be considered, although Cist Gwynedd’s Grants Consultation Panel (who now determines applications) can make exceptions in worthy causes that are outside the usual guidelines but are in accordance with the Charity Scheme.

You should ensure that the application form has been completed and all the essential supporting and technical documents have been submitted by the closing date.

We aim to process and award applications within 6 weeks of the closing date.

We are happy to receive application for less than £1,000 at any time and we aim to process such applications within 4 working weeks, subject to available funding.

It is expected that applications are based on new projects or services that achieve specific and clear objectives.

Arts and Literary Activities

Establish / replenish libraries, museums, galleries, or art exhibitions, scientific or industrial
Provide lectures, exhibitions, and equipment (We cannot cover lecturer costs that total more than £200)
Acquire, retain, and publish archives and documents
Projects involving literature, stage arts, fine arts, literature and/or music (We cannot cover artist costs that total more than £200)

Leisure, Social and Entertainment Activities

Provide or support the provision of playing fields, parks, open spaces, centres, or halls for leisure activities
Provide equipment (for new activities only)
Training costs for volunteers (Mandatory training not eligible)
Costs in connection with new activities for older people / pensioners

Historical Activities

Obtain and retain land or objects of special interest in relation to architectural science or natural history
Purchase, repair, safeguard, interpret and/or exhibit relics
Provide educational facilities or opportunities in the world of history / heritage
Support studies and research into subjects involving history, topography, literature, and Welsh life
Maintenance work on listed buildings or buildings that are not listed but have historic connections
Interpretation materials for buildings of historic and/or architectural interest

Grants will not be given towards religious or sectarian activities or towards resources mainly used for those activities
A grant will not be given for normal and regular maintenance work of buildings nor to support regular or permanent activities / services.
Applications from Community Newspapers will not be considered
Personal applications or applications for the direct benefit of individuals are not permitted.
A grant to support a post is not permitted
Foreign visits
Statutory educational activities
Artists and Guest costs that total more than £200 cannot be funded
The costs of event invitees cannot be funded

Grant applications from Registered Charities only will be considered.

You must meet the following criteria before applying for funding through this fund:

You must be a registered charity located or operating within Gwynedd.
Your organisation cannot distribute profit.
Your organisation must have a legal and constitutional status.
Your organisation must have a clear management structure.
Your organisation must have a clear financial management system.
It must have operational principles which adhere to legislation on employment, health and safety, equality for workers and volunteers.
Show an understanding and commitment to equality in respect of access, language, culture, gender and ethnic matters.
Possess aims and objectives that accord with the activities financed through this grant.
Show that other groups and individuals in the area support the activity/scheme.
It must be shown that the principles of value for money have been followed in developing, implementing, and running the scheme, such as ensuring that you follow the Tender Application Guidelines (copies are available from the Cist Gwynedd Office) for the work/service, especially in respect of the capital projects.
That principles of protecting vulnerable adults and children, in accordance with the legislation, are in operation.

If promoting religion is your group’s main aim, please contact the Cist Gwynedd Officer.

It will be a requirement that every project approved complies with the terms and conditions of the fund. In some circumstances special conditions could be imposed on a project.