Funding for rural areas
Swansea has received funding from the UK Government under the Shared Prosperity Fund, which is part of the Levelling Up agenda.
Under the locally developed Rural Anchor, grant funding is available to Swansea's rural communities for projects supporting the themes of:
- rural economy and visitor experience
- natural environment and climate emergency
- health and wellbeing
- innovation
Within these themes we are looking for projects that deliver against at least one of the following interventions:
- investment in renewable energy (capital grants), for example renewable energy schemes for community buildings or community car and bike charging points
- biodiversity (revenue grants), for example rural greening projects for improving biodiversity, community growing (excluding CSAs), and re-utilising underused spaces as biodiversity assets
- volunteering (revenue grants), for example volunteering projects to engage different stakeholder groups in rural communities - these could include community transport, environmental, befriending schemes, community action
- feasibility studies (revenue grants), examples of the types of proposals: studies with fully costed plans to assist with unlocking future funding support - this could be a community transport, community facilities such a museum or hub
- local markets and visitor trails (revenue grants), for example rural markets and rural visitor trails, initiatives that would improve footfall on rural high streets, including pop up events, marketing campaigns and resources, development of apps.
Revenue projects can receive up to £15,000 and capital projects can receive up to £25,000. Projects can be 100% funded, but if you wish to run a project that has a higher total value than the grant maximums you can add additional funds from other sources.
The wards eligible for support are:
- Bishopston
- Clydach (includes Craig Cefn Parc)
- Fairwood
- Gorseinon and Penyrheol
- Gower
- Gowerton
- Llangyfelach
- Llwchwr
- Penclawdd
- Penllergaer
- Pennard
- Pontarddulais (includes old Mawr ward)
- Pontlliw and Tircoed
Projects in other wards may be supported on a case-by-case basis if they are on the geographical fringes of the above-named wards, or in extraordinary circumstances areas with extensive natural environments in other wards.
The full guidance for the scheme is below but if you have any questions after reading it, or if you are ready to apply and need a copy of the application form, please email the team at ruralanchorspf@swansea.gov.uk
Swansea Rural Anchor Grant Scheme - guidance (Word doc) [760KB]
Our second grant window opens on 25 September and closes on 6 November 2023 at 12 noon.
All available funds will be made available at this time but if money remains after all successful projects are approved there may be future rounds available.
We are keen support all applicants during this process, and we encourage the submission of draft applications or any elements of the forms that you require checking. The deadline for draft submissions is 25 October 12 noon.
For a copy of the application form please email ruralanchorspf@swansea.gov.uk.