Volunteering in Wales Fund   

What are they? Competitive volunteering grant schemes Funded by Welsh Government Run by WCVA

Purpose The aim of the Volunteering in Wales Fund (VWF) is to: Support formal volunteering projects that aim to recruit, support, train and place NEW volunteers Encourage good practice in volunteering; and Support the development of volunteering in under-developed areas such as underrepresented groups, areas with less opportunities or types of volunteering opportunities NB: Underrepresented groups can be the volunteers and/or beneficiaries of the project.

Purpose GwirVol’s core aims are to: Increase the number and the diversity of young people volunteering in Wales. Increase the number and accessibility of quality volunteering opportunities for young people in Wales to ensure they get the most from their volunteering experience. Creating Opportunities: To create new youth volunteering projects and roles or to recruit more young people into existing volunteering roles. Millennium Volunteers: To recognise the commitment young people give to volunteering through offering the 200 hour award of excellence. International: To develop overseas volunteering opportunities that benefit young people and their communities in Wales.

Who can apply? Organisations that can apply: Not-for-profit and independent of government and private sectors Public sector organisations, e.g. local authorities, schools, local health boards (GwirVol only) Organisations that cannot apply: Political organisations Public sector organisations, e.g. local authorities, schools, local health boards (VWF only) Projects need to: Run between July 2015 and June 2016 (there is clear guidance for each specific grant) Take place in Wales (or overseas if applying for the International strand) NB: Please read the guidance carefully to ensure the volunteering activity fits within the specific grant schemes definition of volunteering.

How Much? Volunteering in Wales Fund GwirVol – Creating Opportunities GwirVol – Millennium Volunteers GwirVol - International How Much?Up to £25kUp to £10k Up to £30k How long?Initially one year Up to one year Continuation Funding? Yes – 50% tapered funding in Years 2 and 3 No Match funding required? No Yes – minimum 20%

Eligible costs? This is not an exhaustive list – other costs can be considered Training Volunteers, Committee, Staff Expenses Volunteers, Staff Accommodation Rent & rate, Energy & water Office Costs Stationery & postage, Telephone, Accounts Salaries National insurance, Pension Equipment Other costs e.g. Passports/Visa’s, DBS checks for staff

When can you apply? NOW! Closing date 5pm Friday 13 th March 2015 You do not have to wait until the closing date to submit your application, the sooner you submit it, the better.

Application packs Contact WCVA helpdesk Go to our websites – – ‘Like’ us on or follow us on – we will post updated information when available

Key Information Highly competitive!! 2 in 10 applications were successful in the last round Reduced funding in this round Minimum score questions introduced – minimum score of 60% in order for a full assessment to take place. We do not fund activities that are undertaken as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification or any other compulsory community work required for education or employment such as work experience for degree courses or diplomas.

Timeline Application periodJanuary to March Assessment periodMarch to May Panel DecisionsEnd of May Decisions communicated to applicantsJune Inductions for successful applicationsJuly Projects will run from July 2015 until June 2016 Feedback offered to unsuccessful applicants

WCVA Passport –Some types of documents previously submitted to WCVA by organisations may have been uploaded to our electronic system. These will not need to be submitted again unless they have been updated. If so, the organisation will have been provided with: WCVA Passport number List of documents held –Applicants should call WCVA’s helpdesk on to check which documents are currently held by WCVA on their passport Time sensitive documents e.g. annual accounts, or project specific documents such as training plans are not linked to WCVA Passports

Submitting an application The closing date is 13 th March 2015 Applications must be submitted by 5pm on the closing date Applications can be submitted as hard copy or electronically by The application can be submitted by . An electronic signature must be included. s and attachments can be no more than 10mb. Read the guidelines as there is a specific process for electronic submission. WCVA do not accept responsibility for any applications lost by post or by

Helpful Tips Make sure all the key documents are included –Check your WCVA Passport before submitting the application Ensure the documents are the most up to date versions –Use the checklist on the application form 18 Applications were ineligible last year because documents were missing

Helpful Tips Ensure the application is signed and dated 13 Applications were ineligible last year because they were not signed correctly

Helpful Tips Make sure the budget is: accurate correctly calculated appropriate clearly explained The budget is now a separate Excel spreadsheet that needs to be completed and submitted at the same time as the application form.

Helpful Tips Make sure your project fits in with the fund’s timescales

Helpful Tips Don’t assume prior knowledge of the organisation or its activities

Helpful Tips Stick to the maximum word limit, if there is one.

Creating Opportunities or Millennium Volunteers? Both are for young volunteers aged MV is a recognition programme so grant recipients will have a target for number of 50, 100 & 200 hours certificates issued during the project. All young volunteers are able to register for MV whether you receive a grant or not.

There is a host of information on the website, take advantage of it! Grants Information Sheet Eligibility Guide Millennium Volunteers Guidance Planning Your Project Involving Young People in volunteering Tips for Applying Guide to expenses Volunteer Role description template Grants FAQ’s

GwirVolVolunteering in Wales Fund Free phone: WCVA Baltic House Mount Stuart Square Cardiff CF10 5FH