Neath Port Talbot Council launches new Community Heritage Fund

The funding will be distributed to community groups to undertake heritage projects which will benefit the communities of Neath Port Talbot and enable them to sustain their vital voluntary work in safeguarding our heritage, historic environment and language.

The Community Heritage Fund is part of a larger, overall Heritage Neath Port Talbot project, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and players of the National Lottery.

The project will see community groups receive training, advice and support from a Community Heritage Officer, making them more sustainable for the future.

Two funding streams are available.

One is a smaller grant of up to £3,000, which will enable the delivery of a series of smaller projects, ensuring a wide variety of projects will take place and that a diverse range of community groups will benefit. The other is a larger grant of up to £5,000 which will require a contribution of a small amount of match funding.

Community heritage projects with a lasting community benefit can be funded under this scheme.

Both capital and activity related costs such as training, specialist input, room hire and event publicity can be funded under the scheme as long as there is a strong focus on heritage and community engagement.

Projects must also support the following aims: to increase knowledge, skills, understanding, awareness and access in relation to the historic environment or wider heritage; benefit and involve a wide, creative, diverse range of people and improve community life and wellbeing.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Wellbeing, Cllr Jeremy Hurley, said, “We are looking forward to seeing a wide range of innovative projects develop under this scheme. We encourage applications from both heritage and non-heritage based groups – please get in touch to discuss your ideas.”

Any voluntary group or community organisation with a bank account (able to show three months of statements), constituted (if applicable) and able to show proof of ownership if the project involves work to land, buildings or heritage items, can apply for a grant under the scheme. Local charities, not-for-profit organisations and schools can also apply (where the project benefits the community and takes place in addition to the curriculum, outside the school day). Parish, Community or Town Councils can also apply.

To find out more about the Community Heritage Fund and make an application please contact [email protected]. Full support with the application can be provided.