Don't miss out on the opportunity to win a unique package of support worth over £22,000, including unrestricted grants of £6,500.

The awards are open to registered charities in the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales, which specialise in Community, Environment, Welfare, and Youth.

Feedback shows that two years after receiving Pilotlight support, charities have, on average, increased their income by 43% and increased their reach by 22%.

Winning applicants also gain free access to the Pilotlight 360 programme — an eight-month package of leadership coaching worth an estimated £16,000. They will also access:

• collaborative opportunities and events through Pilotlight’s network of UK charities
• two peer-to-peer support sessions with other award winners to share best practice
• a celebratory event for all award-winners on conclusion of the programme
• the enhanced profile associated with receiving this award grant for

The deadline for completed applications is 5pm Wednesday 8 January 2025.

 To find out more, register for our final information session.

Meet the Funder: National Churches Trust

30 January 2025

10:00 – 11:00am

Free session

In 2025 The National Churches Trust will have two key grant streams open, Cherish grants | National Churches Trust and Large grants | National Churches Trust along with general project support.

WCVA are pleased to host Gareth Simpson, Support Officer (Wales) for National Churches Trust, for an online Meet the Funder event. Gareth will present on the format of funding rounds, explain eligibility criteria and funding priorities, provide some key tips on submitting a strong application and take part in a Q&A session with attendees.

Book on to it here (https://lu.ma/fundernct)

We are seeking Trustees for a charitable organisation established to lead the exciting redevelopment of the historic synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil, a project of national importance to Wales. Trustees will help bring new thinking, views, skills and experience to the project.

Recruitment timeline:

An on-site visit and discussion with a member of the project team can be arranged.

Closing date: Friday 10 January

Interview Dates: Week commencing 20 January

Appointment: Friday 31 January

If you have any questions, or would like an informal conversation to discuss the role, please contact Neil Richardson, Project Manager, on enquiries@jewishheritage.wales

Full guidance for Expressions of Interest to our UK-wide Supporting Rural Communities grant programme is now available and can be downloaded from our website here: Supporting Rural Communities - The Royal Countryside Fund. 

It’s not too late to sign up for our information webinar for prospective applicants which is taking place tonight (Tuesday, December 17^th) at 18:00. Register your place here: Webinar Registration - Zoom. The event recording will also be available on our website following the webinar.

Key dates

10^th January 2025 – Open for Expressions of Interest

21^st February 2025 – Deadline for Expressions of Interest

22^nd March 2025 – Shortlisted organisations are invited to submit a full application

19^th April 2025 – Deadline for full applications.

Successful applicants will be notified in late May/early June 2025.

Please note that our offices will close at 5pm on Thursday 19^th December for the Christmas break. 

We will re-open again on Monday 6^th January 2025. 

Best wishes to you all.