Financial support for invaluable community work in RCT at this time

RCT Council has announced it will refocus its existing Community Activity Fund, to provide financial support for local organisations and individuals doing invaluable work to help others at this time.

The existing fund, part of the RCT Together approach, was set up to support small actions from local people that had a wider benefit within communities. In response to the Coronavirus emergency, the Council has made the decision to redirect this funding towards local groups or individuals that are working hard within our communities to support people through the crisis.

Since the pandemic started, residents and groups in Rhondda Cynon Taf have responded admirably to provide help to those in need. It is considered that providing Community Activity funding to these groups and individuals is fully-reflective of the original aim of the Fund. It will also complement the Council’s own considerable Community Resilience work at this time.

The Fund will award £10,000 in total, with each successful application eligible for a £300 grant – or £500 in exceptional circumstances. Applications received by the Council will be decided upon on a case-by-case basis, but those interested in applying are encouraged to do so at the earliest opportunity.

Applicants will need to demonstrate that their project provides support for a clearly-identified need (for example, supporting vulnerable residents), has a wider benefit (for example, producing protective equipment for key workers) and adheres to social distancing guidelines. Where possible, the project might be delivered in collaboration with other community organisations.

To apply for this funding, interested organisations and individuals should email CovidCommunityFund@rctcbc.gov.uk to receive an application form.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “Once again, communities across the length and breadth of Rhondda Cynon Taf have produced a truly amazing response in supporting both ourselves as a Local Authority and also each other during this national emergency.

“I have been really impressed by the number of community groups and individuals who have contacted both myself and Council Officers to see how

they could provide invaluable support to their local communities and the Council.

“In recognition of this and the financial implications this can often have, we are today repurposing the Community Activity Fund, which forms part of the wider RCT Together programme, to provide grants of £300 – or £500 in exceptional circumstances to local organisations or individuals. This funding can be used for a variety of support initiatives, including the production of scrub bags or PPE, or even for community gift bags.

“I would encourage all applicants to ensure that they contact the Council to express their interest at the earliest possible opportunity as demand is likely to be quite considerable, and I would also like to thank all of those across Rhondda Cynon Taf who are helping in the fight against the Coronavirus.”