We are pleased to launch the 2026 Community Cohesion Grant, which offers community groups, third sector organisations and schools the opportunity to apply for funding of up to £2,000 to support a new project or to enhance existing provision.
Applications are particularly encouraged from groups whose projects:
- Promote a strong sense of belonging – for example, initiatives that celebrate local heritage or showcase and strengthen community identity.
- Bring people together around shared interests – including projects that promote inclusion, tackle loneliness, or support social connection and togetherness.
- Challenge discrimination and prejudice while encouraging inclusion – such as work that addresses intolerance, stereotypes and prejudice (for example, antisemitism and Islamophobia), promotes cultural awareness, or helps to foster positive relations between different communities.
- Support ethnic minority communities and strengthen community cohesion – including projects that engage with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities; Refugees and Asylum Seekers; or other communities within the Caerphilly, Torfaen and/or Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Gwent areas.
The closing date for applications is Friday 10 July 2026. Please note that all projects must be delivered within Torfaen, Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Gwent or Caerphilly Boroughs and fully completed by 31 January 2027. Successful applicants will be notified by September 2026. Applications will not be reviewed until after the closing date.
Applications can be submitted using the attached application form and emailed to communitycohesionteam@torfaen.gov.uk
Examples of successful projects funded in 2025 are shown below. Please note that these are provided for illustration only, and applications do not need to replicate these projects
Together on Air used the power of creative media to connect people, bringing together residents of varied ages and backgrounds. More than 80 participants – including older residents, young people, minority communities, refugees and traveller communities – took part in weekly radio sessions at BGfm Radio. Activities included storytelling, poetry, music performances and open-mic discussions, with participants involved in planning, recording, live broadcasting and editing.
The broadcasts celebrated local heritage in Nantyglo and the wider valleys, while also reflecting the diverse cultures that shape Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Gwent today. Sessions were also made available as podcasts.
Celebrating African Culture at Llanhilleth Miners’ Institute was a vibrant programme of African culture workshops for children and young people aged five to 16. Children explored the traditions and heritage of Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Ghana through hands-on activities including cooking Nigerian-inspired Jollof Rice and creating Djembe drums, tribal masks and safari-themed collages.
The sessions encouraged open discussion, curiosity and respect for different cultures, and offered a safe and welcoming space for children to learn, ask questions and celebrate diversity.
Strengthening Belonging and Heritage at Bryn Farm Community House was a programme of inclusive, intergenerational activities focused on heritage, kindness and shared responsibility.
People took part in activities ranging from gardening and food preparation to arts and storytelling. Using food as a starting point, older residents shared memories of traditional growing, drying and pickling methods, strengthening intergenerational understanding and inspiring future community gardening projects.
The project placed a strong emphasis on respect, inclusion and challenging relationships between generations. As a result, new volunteers have come forward, and additional activity groups are now forming at the Community House.
Abertillary Cricket Club promoting female cricket with an emphasis on pupils with Additional Learning Needs. This project provided pupils from five schools with accessible cricket coaching delivered in a supportive and inclusive environment. More than 300 school pupils took part, including many who had never engaged in structured sport before. The sessions were designed to meet a wide range of needs and abilities, with adapted equipment and tailored activities ensuring that every participant felt able to join in. This approach created a sense of belonging for pupils from varied cultural, social, and educational backgrounds and supported those with Additional Learning Needs to participate confidently.
The project also revived interest in the area’s cricketing heritage, providing pupils with a chance to connect with local clubs and understand the role cricket has played in shaping community identity.
This consistent engagement helped create friendships across different groups of pupils, promoting positive relationships and strengthening understanding between individuals from diverse backgrounds, As a result, local pathways for girls and young women to continue playing sport within their communities have been strengthened.
