New fund to prevent gambling-related harms in Wales
Public Health Wales (PHW) launches the Gambling Harms Prevention: Voluntary Sector Grant Fund, administered by WCVA, to strengthen Wales’ capacity to prevent gambling-related harms through evidence-informed and community-led action.
The fund recognises the vital role that voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises play in reaching communities, addressing inequalities and helping people thrive.The programme is part of a new public health approach to gambling-related harm prevention in Wales, focusing on the social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to harm, while generating learning that will help shape future policy and practice.
About the Grant Scheme
The Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant scheme aims to support organisations that can help:Test and develop effective approaches to preventing gambling-related harms.Strengthen community, sector and system capacity.Address the underlying drivers of gambling-related harms.Build the evidence base for prevention in Wales. Embed lived experience and Welsh public health principles throughout prevention activity. The fund encourages projects that are prevention-focused, community-led and rooted in the Welsh context, including activities that reduce inequalities, strengthen community resilience and support those most at risk of experiencing gambling-related harms.
What’s Available
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £75,000 per year for up to two years. Match funding is not required, and projects can be funded up to 100% of eligible costs. Funding could support: Community awareness campaigns and education initiatives. Targeted prevention work with higher-risk or under-served groups. Community outreach, social action and resilience-building activities. Support for families and others affected by someone else’s gambling. Voluntary sector capacity-building, partnerships and networks. Creative, digital and innovative approaches to prevention. All funded projects must be delivered in Wales, take a prevention-focused approach and be independent of gambling industry funding or influence.
Information Session
Public Health Wales and WCVA will be hosting an online information session on 12 August 2026 to provide an overview of the fund and answer questions from potential applicants. Find out more and sign up.
How to apply
Applications can be made through MAP, WCVA’s Multipurpose Application Portal. To register and view current funding opportunities, visit map.wcva.cymru. Before applying, organisations are encouraged to read the full applicant guidance. Read the Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant guidance.
NEED HELP?
For questions about the grant process and applications, contact the WCVA Grants Team: phwgrants@wcva.cymru. This new fund offers an important opportunity for Wales’ voluntary sector to help shape and deliver a stronger, more evidence-informed approach to preventing gambling-related harms and supporting community wellbeing across Wales.