Community groups across Wales can now apply for grants of up to
£10,000 to help them start a social business or community-led
housing project.
For over three years, the scheme has supported Welsh-speaking
communities with high densities of second homes, with 64 grants
awarded across Gwynedd, Conwy, Anglesey, Ceredigion,
Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Even more communities will now be able to benefit from the grant
as it opens across the whole of Wales, with funding increased to
£400,000 for this year.
The Perthyn grant scheme has helped Bys a Bawd Pawb set up as a
Community Benefit Society in Llanrwst, Conwy, where the community
has come together with the aim of buying and running a beloved
shop that has served the community for 50 years. The project aims
to create a Welsh literary hub, provide affordable accommodation
for local people above the shop as well as offering job and
volunteering opportunities.
Nia Clwyd Owen, Councillor for Llanrwst and Llanddoged and Chair
of the Bys a Bawd Pawb Working Group said:
“Without the support of the Perthyn grant, it is unlikely that
Bys a Bawd Pawb would be in the strong position the community
enterprise finds itself in today. The grant has been fundamental
to the development of the initiative, enabling the group to
appoint a consultant to lead on the community share offer scheme.
The work she undertook to raise awareness of the project was
invaluable.
“In addition, the grant was used to host a series of events in
Llanrwst, giving the local community the opportunity to learn
more about the initiative and support it through investment.
“This success is a testament to the power of communities when
given the right support. We would like to thank the Perthyn grant
scheme for their backing, and the community for their enthusiasm
and commitment to creating positive local change.”
Hwb Penmachno has also received a Perthyn grant award, to
help the community with early-stage elements of their
community-led housing initiative.
The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language: "These
inspiring community-led projects demonstrate the power of local
action to strengthen Welsh-speaking communities. By expanding the
Perthyn grant scheme across Wales, we're giving more communities
the chance to take control of their housing future and ensure the
Welsh language remains at the heart of their initiatives."
Community groups must apply at the latest by 21 November 2025
here: Perthyn - Cwmpas
Notes to editors
The grant scheme is administered by Cwmpas on behalf of Welsh
Government.
Additional quote:
Jocelle Lovell Director for Inclusive Communities at Cwmpas said:
“Cwmpas is proud to continue administering the Perthyn grant
scheme, which plays a vital role in empowering Welsh-speaking
communities to develop social enterprises and community-led
housing.
“This initiative aligns with our mission to build a fairer,
greener economy and supports the creation of Welsh-speaking
spaces where language and community thrive. We're excited to help
accelerate grassroots ideas and strengthen local capacity through
this important programme.”
