Blog

Meet the Funder - National Lottery Community Fund 

Do you have an idea for a project and need funding, or have a current project funded by National Lottery and need advice, book an appointment to meet the funder.
The funding surgery is being held on 11th March at Voluntary Action Merthyr Tydfil. To book your 30 minute appointment contact karen.vowles@vamt.net or emily.whiteman-cranston@vamt.net

CARERS SUPPORT FUND 2026-29

We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Carers Support Fund 2026–29, following Welsh Government’s commitment to continue funding this vital programme.

 This is a fantastic opportunity for organisations who support unpaid carers to help make a real difference to those facing financial hardship.

What’s on offer?

  • Funding available: approx. £1.5m
  • Minimum grant size: £20,000
  • Open to current and new delivery partners
  • Application deadline: 10am, [23 March 2026]
  • Two online Q&A sessions for guidance

Programme aims:

  • Increase access to income maximisation support for unpaid carers
  • Provide flexible cost-of-living advice and support
  • Offer direct financial assistance to adult and young carers in hardship

Expected outcomes:

  • Carers supported to meet immediate cost-of-living challenges
  • Improved access to financial advice and support
  • Better mental wellbeing for carers
  • Increased opportunities to maximise income

 Important note:
At least 20% of your requested budget must be allocated to income maximisation services.

 Next steps:

 2–3pm Tuesday 24 February 2026

10–11am Wednesday 4 March 2026

Email csfw@carers.org with your name, organisation, and email, indicating the meeting you would like to attend, to receive the meeting link.

 For any other queries, please contact csfw@carers.org

Payroll Giving Month in Wales

A simple way for your business to do its bit

Payroll Giving is an easy way for Welsh businesses of all kinds to support good causes by allowing their staff to make donations before tax.

February marks Payroll Giving Month, a real opportunity for employers in Wales to boost their social impact while helping employees make their charitable donations go further.

Payroll Giving is simple to set up, simple to maintain and, with low to no costs, an affordable way to make a difference as a business.

Watch the video: Payroll Giving in Wales.

NOT JUST FOR BIG BUSINESSES OR BIG CHARITIES

Did you know it’s not just for large businesses? And it’s not just for supporting the big, well known charities. Any employer of any size can set up a scheme, and employees can individually decide who they donate to from the thousands of local and national causes all over Wales (and beyond).

Read the guide to find out more: Harnessing the social impact of Payroll Giving

BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS PAYROLL GIVING?

Payroll Giving is a government-backed scheme that allows employees to support their favourite charities in exchange for tax relief.

What makes the scheme stand out is that it benefits everyone involved. It makes giving cheaper for taxpayers, businesses can use it to enhance their social impact, and charities receive sustainable income to fund vital services communities rely on.

It’s not just about individual giving too, read the guide to find out how your business can maximise its social impact through Payroll Giving and promote a positive company culture.

PAYROLL GIVING MONTH

February is Payroll Giving Month, get involved as a business by:

  • Setting up a Payroll Giving Scheme
  • Running a Payroll Giving campaign with your employees
  • Showcasing your business’s social impact by achieving a Payroll Giving quality mark

Find out more about how your business can start its Payroll Giving journey.

 

 

Charity Response Forums Spring 2026 - Registration Open

Want to know more?

We’ll be hosting an online session on the 13th February 10:00-11:00 where you can find out more and ask questions about the programme to help you understand if it's right for you and your team. If you’d like to join us 13th February - Sign-up Here  

You can also speak to your Regional Manager or key Foundation contact (England & Wales), Grants Officer (Northern Ireland) or Executive Director (Channel Islands) about whether this offer is right for you.

If you've previously participated in one of our forums, we'd be delighted to welcome you back for another session.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out - volunteering@lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk

How do I register to take part?

Register Here by 20th February

BAROMEDR CYMRU

Wave 2 of Baromedr Cymru is live between
27 January – 24 February and focuses on volunteering in your organisation.
 
Baromedr Cymru is the new Welsh voluntary sector ‘barometer’ organised by WCVA and Nottingham Trent University. The rolling data source will provide an up-to-date picture on what’s happening across the voluntary sector in  Wales.
It’s the International Year of Volunteering!  Nearly 1/3 of adults in Wales volunteer, yet volunteer recruitment remains in the top three concerns for 30% of the organisations we surveyed in Wave 1. 
Wave 2 explores how volunteering in your organisation is changing:
Where is the greatest pressure: volunteer recruitment or retention?
 Which recruitment strategies are working, and which are failing to attract volunteers?
 Are there shifts towards micro, skills-based, or digital/remote volunteering?
 Would you have capacity to support and evidence migrant volunteering?
By sharing your experience, you help turn day-to-day volunteering challenges into evidence that informs funders, policymakers and support bodies.
 If you take part, you’ll receive:
· a short Insight Report to sense-check your experience against the wider sector
· an invitation to a free webinar on findings plus practical implications
Third Sector Support
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