Comic Relief Cwtch Communities: Supporting Warm, Safe & Caring Communities Across Wales

Cwtch Communities is a Wales-wide grant programme funded by Comic Relief and delivered by WCVA. It has been created to support small, grassroots organisations that play a vital role in strengthening their communities. The programme recognises that meaningful and lasting change often begins at a very local level, where community groups understand the needs of local people and can respond quickly and compassionately. Through grants ranging from £15,000 to £35,000, Cwtch Communities aims to help organisations deepen their impact, grow their capacity and expand the support they offer.

The fund focuses on three core themes.

• The first centres around Basic Needs, supporting organisations already helping people facing the pressures of rising living costs, hunger, or limited access to essential goods. This includes community kitchens, food banks, crisis support hubs and similar projects providing direct, practical support.

• The second theme highlights Health and Early Childhood Development, encouraging work that nurtures the wellbeing of young children and their families. This includes parent-and-toddler groups, early learning activities and peer-support initiatives led by families with lived experience.

• The third theme emphasises Safety, supporting organisations working with individuals affected by violence, displacement or marginalisation. This includes women’s centres, refugee support groups, and safe spaces where vulnerable people can connect and rebuild confidence.

  
  

Alongside funding community activity, the programme also aims to help organisations strengthen their internal resilience. Groups are encouraged to think about how they operate, how they adapt to change and what resources they need to thrive. This focus on organisational resilience is designed to help groups “bounce forward,” evolve and continue meeting community needs long into the future.

A significant element of the fund is a commitment to impact and storytelling. Funded organisations will be asked to demonstrate the difference their work makes and to take part in storytelling activities that help Comic Relief and its partners share the real-life impact of the funding. This may include sharing project updates, offering insight into the lives of the people they support, or taking part in filming or media opportunities over a 6–12 month period. These stories help raise awareness and support wider fundraising efforts across Wales.

To apply for the programme, organisations must be based in Wales, have a clear social purpose and have an annual income below £250,000. They must already be delivering work that fits at least one of the programme’s themes. Appropriate governance, a suitable organisational bank account and any relevant permissions for project delivery are also required.

The application window runs from 30 March 2026 to 22 May 2026, with projects able to begin from 10 August 2026 and completed no later than 30 September 2027.

Before submitting an application, groups will need key documents such as governing documents, recent financial accounts, organisational policies and evidence of community support. While match funding is not required, organisations may still include volunteer time or in-kind contributions as part of their overall project plan.

Want Support or More Information?

If your organisation is considering applying for the Comic Relief Cwtch Communities grant and you would like guidance, please complete the form below. A local GAVO Officer will get in touch to offer one‑to‑one advice and help you develop a strong application.