Community groups urged to apply for Ffos-y-fran funding

Merthyr Tydfil voluntary and community groups have until early September to apply for funding of up to £5,000.

The Ffos-y-fran Intermediate Grants Scheme offers grants for projects that help create a ‘strong, sustainable and diverse economy’, support people in developing new skills to maximise their potential, and contribute to making Merthyr Tydfil a ‘vibrant, attractive, safe and sustainable place’.

The projects must be based in the county borough and benefit local residents by having an educational, environmental or leisure emphasis. Grants are for revenue/capital costs and match funding is a requirement, either through cash or in-kind contributions.

Recent projects supported include Welsh club Clwb Dysgu Cymraeg Calfaria - which was awarded £2,000 for room hire and tutor costs - and running, cycling, swimming, triathlon and disability sport groups, which received almost £15,000 to increase opportunities across the county borough.

The Ffos-y-fran Community Benefit Fund programme was established by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council in collaboration with local mining company Merthyr (South Wales) Limited, which donates £1 for every ton of coal sold from the Ffos-y-fran land reclamation scheme. More than £5m has been awarded to a wide range of groups and causes since the site opened in 2007.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Public Protection Cllr Geraint Thomas said: “We’re delighted to be able to administer the Ffos-y-fran Community Benefit Fund, which has contributed to many worthwhile projects, giving local organisations the chance to obtain money they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.

The deadline for applications for the latest round of awards is Thursday, 5 September. For further information or an application form, contact the Ffos-y-fran Benefit Fund Coordinator on 01685 727021 or ffosyfran@merthyr.gov.uk