THE VALE of Glamorgan Council has launched a new £670,000 scheme to support community group led projects and initiatives.

The three year Strong Communities Fund aims to help community initiatives become more sustainable and reduce the need for subsidies to cover running costs and activities.

It will be funded by the council with contributions from a charity and some money negotiated through section 106 contributions.

The fund can be used to finance feasibility studies, buy equipment, pay for building works and meet staffing costs. It is also available for small innovative projects, with requests for any funding sum considered.

The council says that this is a unique approach in Wales and will serve to expand the range and amount of funding available to support community led projects.

Applications for funding will be considered by a panel made up of Vale councillors and external partners, including representatives from town and community councils, a representative from of the Waterloo Foundation, public service partners and Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS).

Cllr John Thomas, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "In times of austerity, the Vale council is pleased that it is still able to offer grant funding to community-led organisations. This substantial fund is now open for applications and we invite enquiries from large and small third-sector organisations, town and community councils as well as joint applications.

"We welcome and value the involvement of the Waterloo Foundation and hope this scheme can help deliver strong communities with a bright future, our vision for the Vale of Glamorgan."

Rachel Connor, chief executive of GVS, said: "We are pleased to see this additional resource for the third sector in the Vale of Glamorgan. The sector has always been innovative and creative in its approach to funding.

"This new resource will help encourage a more enterprising approach.

"GVS looks forward to supporting our members in accessing this new funding stream."

There are a number of application rounds each year, the first of which closes on October 6.

Those requiring more information or an application form for their project can contact the council’s economic development team for guidance by emailing scgfapplications@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk or calling 01446 704636.