Apply Now: Comic Relief Cwtch Communities Grant (United Kingdom)

Comic Relief Cwtch Communities is a small-grants programme managed by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and funded by Comic Relief. It supports Welsh grassroots voluntary organisations to strengthen their work and deliver positive social change, including through direct services and tangible interventions. The application window opens on 29 September 2026 and closes on 2 November 2026 at 5:00 pm. Cwtch Communities aims to support “warm, safe, and caring communities” by providing small grants to Welsh community organisations. The scheme is designed to help organisations meet immediate needs and plan for the future, with an emphasis on strengthening impact or improving services for local people. The programme recognises that lasting change often begins at a local level, and that community organisations are well placed to respond quickly and compassionately to challenges in their areas. Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements: Further eligibility details, exclusions, or additional criteria are not specified in the source; applicants should review the official guidance on the WCVA opportunity page. Projects must align with the programme’s missions and priority themes, which focus on essential needs for people to feel secure, supported, and able to thrive: This grant is aimed at smaller Welsh organisations that want to respond to community needs while building their ability to deliver effective support. Because funding must align with clearly defined themes—basic needs, early childhood development, and safety—applicants can focus proposals on practical, locally grounded interventions rather than broad, unrelated programming. The requirement for impact demonstration through storytelling and publicity also means organisations should plan for how they will evidence outcomes and communicate learning during the project period. For help registering on MAP, the page notes that applicants can follow a registration video (link not provided in the supplied text). If you need further support, the page also directs applicants to contact their local County Voluntary Council.

1) What is Comic Relief Cwtch Communities?

It is a small-grants programme managed by WCVA and funded by Comic Relief, supporting Welsh grassroots voluntary organisations to strengthen community-based work and deliver positive social change.

2) How much funding can we apply for?

Grants are available between £15,000 and £35,000.

3) Who can apply?

Voluntary organisations in Wales with an annual income of less than £250,000, and which already work in areas matching the three priority themes.

4) What are the priority themes for this grant?

The three themes are Basic needs, Health (early childhood development), and Safety.

5) When is the application deadline?

The application window closes on 2 November 2026 at 5:00 pm. The source does not specify the time zone.

6) When can activities start and end?

The earliest activities can begin is 1 February 2027, and projects must end no later than 31 March 2028.

7) How do we apply?

You must register with and apply through WCVA’s Multipurpose Application Portal (MAP). Registration is available at map.wcva.cymru. If your organisation is a Welsh voluntary group with an annual income below £250,000 and your mission already aligns with the programme’s themes, review WCVA’s official guidance on the Comic Relief Cwtch Communities grant page and submit your application via MAP following the steps and timelines stated there.