Community projects and charities in Newtown are being encouraged to apply for funds through the Powys Pennies Grant Scheme.
Grants are available for small organisations with a turnover under £20,000.
“All applications from community projects and charities are welcomed but preference will be given to applications working in the health and social care, children and young people, mental health, community transport and community development/regeneration sector,” said a statement from Powys County Council and Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) who are funding the scheme.
“The funding must directly benefit the organisation group or community through a specific one off activity and not be used for core organisational costs.”
The grant scheme is funded by the two organisations employees through the collection of the odd pennies taken from their monthly salaries.
When staff receive their net pay it is rounded down to the nearest pound, the pennies that are left over contribute towards community grants.
Staff have been given the opportunity to sign up to the Powys Pennies Scheme as a way of raising funds for the benefit of local community projects in Powys.
Carl Cooper, Chief Executive Officer said: “PAVO is delighted to share with PCC a payroll giving scheme called 'Powys Pennies'. We have now collected enough money to distribute an inaugural round of small, community grants. Often a small amount of money can make a huge difference to a community in supporting the wellbeing of its people.
“We are enormously grateful to PCC and PAVO employees that participate in this scheme by donating the pence at the end of their monthly salary. We trust you agree that your generosity has made a significant difference to people's lives. We'd be delighted to see more employees joining the scheme in order that we help a greater number of people in the future.”
Cllr James Evans, Cabinet Member for HR and Communications said: “Powys County Council are delighted that the payroll giving scheme that staff have contributed towards is now available to support and fund local groups and charities across Powys.”
Applications for the scheme will run until Monday, July 31, 2017. Applications will be assessed by a panel consisting of PAVO trustees and PCC County Councillors. All projects and activities will need to be completed by 31st March 2018.
If you are interested in applying for funding or finding out more about the scheme visit www.pavo.org.uk/funding/powys-pennies.html
Alternatively contact Sarah Leyland-Jones sarah.leyland@pavo.org or telephone 01597 822191.
