Hafren Dyfrdwy Community Fund’s latest round of funding has opened, giving local charities and community groups the chance to secure a share of its £50,000 pot.

The Fund, which opens twice a year, is encouraging non-profit organisations in Mid Wales, including Powys, to submit their applications before the October 14 deadline.

The Community Fund was created last year to support new projects that help improve community wellbeing through one of three key areas:

• People: helping people to lead a healthier life and gain new skills

• Places: creating better places to live in and use

• Environment: looking after our natural environment, giving people greater access to that environment, or helping to protect water

One previous recipient of a Hafren Dyfrdwy Community Fund grant was Wrexham-based Agri-cation CIC, which were awarded £9,408 in November 2021 for their “Grow Together” project, a scheme that sees the community come together to grow vegetables and learn about the environment, improving the mental health and confidence of those who participate.

Cheryl Reeves, Executive Director at Agri-cation CIC, said: “The grant has helped us reach a lot of people in the community, especially after COVID when people were experiencing a lot of social exclusion. We’ve managed to create somewhere where people can meet up and create new friendships and it is something that we’re grateful for as an organisation.

Ms Reeves added: “A Hafren Dyfrdwy Community Fund grant is certainly something worth applying for.”

James Jesic, Managing Director of Hafren Dyfrdwy, said: “Since the fund launched in September last year, we’ve awarded over £50,000 to seven wonderful projects across our region that are truly making a difference in their local community, so we’re thrilled to be able to continue this support this year, with another £50,000 to award.

“We’re absolutely committed to the communities we serve - we know there are fantastic organisations out there in our region with great new project ideas that just need that initial support, and with grants between £2,000-£10,000 available, we’re looking forward to being able to offer just that.”

Hafren Dyfrdwy Community Fund will be accepting applications until October 14 2022.

If you’d like to apply, or find out more about the Fund please visit hdcymru.co.uk/communityfund.