Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations

Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1146543).

BAVO exists to support and encourage the development of a thriving voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Bridgend County Borough. In its annual report it records £138,948 awarded through its own managed grant schemes. A further £178,653 in grant funding was provided to local community and voluntary groups operating in Bridgend County, primarily to support prevention work. Its Make A Difference Grant Programme has a total pot of £100,000 across three rounds, offering Micro Grants and Main Grants.

Priority Areas

BAVO’s Make A Difference Grant Programme supports constituted voluntary and community organisations based in Bridgend County Borough whose work benefits local residents. Applicants must be BAVO members or eligible for and have applied for membership. The programme backs community projects and activities that help communities thrive, bring people together, improve wellbeing and strengthen communities. Funding can contribute to cultural and environmental initiatives, equipment, volunteer expenses, training and development, community events, venue and project-delivery costs, repairs, maintenance and energy. Micro Grants support smaller projects, events, activities and one-off purchases; Main Grants support larger projects and activities delivering clear benefits to local people and communities. Successful organisations must provide monitoring information and share project impact.

Themes

• Community projects
• Cultural initiatives
• Environmental initiatives
• Training and development
• Community events

Geographic Focus

Bridgend County Borough.

Choose the relevant Micro Grant or Main Grant form, submit it with all supporting documents before the round’s deadline, and contact BAVO for advice before applying if needed.

Deadlines: Applications must be submitted before the published round deadline.

Application windows:

• Make A Difference Grant Programme: Applications close at 12 noon on 6 October.

Who can apply:

• Make A Difference Grant Programme: Applications are welcome from constituted voluntary and community organisations that are based in Bridgend County Borough, deliver activities that benefit Bridgend residents, are BAVO members or are eligible for and have applied for membership, and have no outstanding balances or overdue grant returns with BAVO.
• You are eligible to join if you are operating in or providing services within Bridgend County; self governing; independent of Government; non profit making; non party political; able to subscribe to BAVO’s requirements for membership including a commitment to equal opportunities and run by an unpaid committee, acting for the benefit of the community.

What to send:

• Make A Difference Grant Programme: All supporting documents must be submitted with the application.
• A completed application form and a copy of the signed constitution.

Applying again: Make A Difference Grant Programme: Organisations may submit one application within any 12-month period.

What the charity says:

• Main Grant projects should deliver clear benefits to people and communities across Bridgend County Borough.
• Successful organisations are expected to provide monitoring information and share their project’s impact.