Funding through Community Spaces Grant is now available to support the community into 2027
Through funding secured from Newport City Council, GAVO are inviting community groups and charities to apply for a grant between £2000 to £4000 to help deliver community driven activities and hubs that supports people during the winter months and helping to contribute to the prevention of poverty through The Community Spaces Grant.
Last year funding supported over 1257 sessions and, incredibly, more than 18,000 attendances through the coldest period of the year, Newport City Council and GAVO are keen to see funding applications from constituted community organisations with the capacity to provide sessions for the community through to the 31st March 2027.
What is a Community Space?
These are welcoming places within local communities where people can go to over the winter months. With rising energy costs, many individuals particularly older adults, vulnerable people, and those at home during the day may be in need of some support and guidance to face the current challenges facing members of the community.
To support this need, funding will be available across Wales this winter to help establish or re-establish these spaces, or to enhance existing ones. The aim is to support the economic, social, and well-being needs of citizens by providing more than just warmth.
What Makes a Community space special?
They are intended to be inclusive, accessible, and inviting spaces for everyone in the community. They should respond to local needs and offer a welcoming environment where people feel safe, supported, and connected.
The focus of activity should be on preventing poverty, strengthening resilience and reducing repeat reliance on emergency or crisis support. Community spaces supported through the grant should therefore provide access to, or signpost individuals to, wider preventative support.
Organisations applying for funding are expected to deliver beyond simply providing warmth. Applications must include “added value”—extra services or activities that enrich the experience for attendees and provide support through other services such as as advice on insulation of homes and how to reduce energy bills.
These might include:
✅ Basic refreshments and snacks (at a minimum), with the potential for more substantial meals where possible
✅ Advice and support services, such as help with financial matters, health and well-being, or digital accessibility
✅ Enrichment activities, including arts and crafts, gentle exercise, or cultural events (depending on location and availability)
How will GAVO support?
If your will group is funded then GAVO will help to promote funded the sessions through our website and social media, ensuring that communities are aware of the support available and can easily access it, Groups are required to complete an online monthly monitoring form which will be provided by the GAVO team.
How to apply
Full guidance and criteria are available within the example contract below, GAVO is more than happy to discuss project ideas before committing time and resources to writing an application. An informal chat or support in making an application please email our Community Development Officer.
To make an application please start by filling in the Microsoft Form below.
Application Opens | Application form closes | Decision date by | Delivery of sessions |
November 1st 2026 | November 9th (23:55) | 12th November 2025 | 21st November - 31st March 2027 |
