Local Senedd Members Samuel Kurtz and Paul Davies are encouraging charities and community groups across Pembrokeshire to apply for a new round of funding aimed at helping people gain skills and access employment.
The latest round of the National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) Community Matters Fund has opened, offering grants to grassroots organisations supporting people who are struggling to find work or return to employment.
Delivered in partnership with Localgiving, the spring funding round will distribute £250,000 to projects that help people build skills, confidence and experience for the changing jobs market.
Grants can support initiatives such as CV workshops, interview coaching, work placements, training opportunities and projects helping people develop practical skills in sectors including construction, engineering, digital roles and clean energy.
The fund is particularly aimed at helping those who face barriers to employment, including young people not in education, employment or training, people with health conditions or disabilities, armed forces veterans, individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds and those returning to work after time away due to caring responsibilities or illness.
Registered charities and non-profit companies limited by guarantee can apply for grants of up to £5,000, while constituted community groups without a charity number can apply for grants of up to £2,000.
The funding is open to eligible organisations across the Midlands, South West England and South Wales.
Samuel Kurtz MS said: “This fund offers a great opportunity for local groups to secure funding to help people gain confidence, training and work experience. I would encourage any eligible organisation in our area to consider applying.”
Paul Davies MS added: “Helping people into work and supporting them to develop new skills is vital for both individuals and our local economy. There are many fantastic community groups in Pembrokeshire doing exactly this kind of work, and I hope they will take advantage of this funding opportunity to expand what they can offer.”
The application window opened on Monday 16 March and closes at 5pm on Thursday 23 April. Successful applicants will be notified in May, with funding distributed later that month.
Community groups interested in applying can find further information via the National Grid Electricity Distribution Community Matters Fund website - https://localgiving.org/community-matters-fund-2026-110059
