The Tackling Poverty Small Grants Fund has been set up to improve play facilities and childcare projects in the 52 Communities First clusters.
The Communities First programme targets prosperity health, education and learning in the 52 areas identified as the top ten per cent most deprived in the country.
Each cluster will receive £50,000 for the next two financial years and will be able to apply for further funding from the remaining £400,000,
The money is aimed specifically at small groups and organisations, which will be able to bid for funding to their local Communities First cluster managers.
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert said, ‘This new funding is about making a real difference to communities which need it the most. From providing childcare to those in training to supporting education for those looking for work, this money will help improve thousands of people’s lives.
‘The communities that will benefit from this support are the most deprived areas in Wales who now face the realities of rising living costs combined with cuts to public spending and welfare. That is why we will continue to take action to tackle poverty and make sure that everyone, no matter where they are born, has the same opportunities as everyone else.’
Money from the fund will also go towards events promoting healthy living and training to get people into work.
The new fund incorporates the Communities First Trust Fund and the small grants scheme previously available through the Community Facilities and Activities Programme.
