A new fund from WCVA to be launched in 2026

The fund will initially be established through seed funding provided by WCVA from its reserves to create something transformative for the voluntary sector. This fund is WCVA’s strategic response towards addressing the difficulties in finding sustainable funding through the establishment of a new permanent and independent funding resource.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO THINK AND ACT FOR THE LONG-TERM

Over the past decade, voluntary organisations have faced a cumulative series of shocks. Public sector austerity, Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and more recently the inflationary impact of rises in the National Living Wage and Employer National Insurance contributions.

Each of these pressures has layered onto the last, leaving many organisations financially stretched, reliant on dwindling reserves, and under increasing pressure to meet gaps left by overstretched public services. The launch of this new fund with a clear aim to grow over the years ahead, aims to provide stability in a landscape dominated by short-term funding to enable organisations to think and act for the long term.

WHAT IT WILL FUND

The fund is built on principles that ensure it delivers lasting value for Wales:

• Community benefit first – every decision is focused on improving well-being across Wales

• Voluntary sector led – every decision is rooted in the experience and voice of the sector

• Long-term stability – every decision is made to ensure the long-term stability of the sector, while growing the fund’s capacity for future generations

• Equity and inclusion – every decision is made to promote equality, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and the Welsh language

• Transparency and accountability – all donations and funding decisions follow clear, open processes that ensure donor confidence and sector trust

• Future-focused – we will provide stability in a landscape dominated by short-term funding, enabling organisations to think, adapt and act for the long-term

• Purpose-driven – by creating a trusted, enduring source of support for the voluntary sector, the fund plays an important role in enabling WCVA to achieve its vision where voluntary organisations and volunteering thrive across Wales, improving well-being for all.

Funded activity will achieve impact across three interconnected levels to provide long-term benefit for:

• individuals

• communities

• organisations

NEXT STEPS

An application to the Charity Commission is currently pending to establish the fund as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), within the WCVA group. It will have its own Trustee Board, drawn from across the voluntary sector and wider civic life, and a sector-led Grant Panel, bringing diversity of perspective, expertise, and lived experience to the management and delivery of the fund.

This is a long term commitment starting at a modest level, where WCVA’s seed funding is invested and protected, to ensure the security and longevity of the fund. WCVA will work to grow the fund through philanthropic income to expand it and its grant making capacity. They are aiming to open the fund to applications late 2026 and all details will be shared via WCVA’s communication channels.

Join their mailing list to stay up-to-date on the fund and other information from WCVA.