Wales Council for Voluntary Action
Could Wales Council for Voluntary Action fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Where they fund
- Wales, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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wcva.cymruAbout Wales Council for Voluntary Action
Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) is the national membership body for charities, community groups, social enterprises and volunteers in Wales, established in 1934. Its mission is to empower the third sector and volunteering to thrive, enhancing wellbeing across Wales. The organisation values openness, collaboration, sustainability and evidence-based impact, and works in close partnership with the Welsh Government to foster long-term resilience. WCVA funds initiatives that embed high-quality volunteering, with an integrated network of County Voluntary Councils supporting local projects, capacity building, infrastructure hubs and cross-sector partnerships.
What Wales Council for Voluntary Action funds
WCVA supports initiatives in health and social care, education, youth leadership, environmental action, arts, culture, sport, Welsh language preservation, equality and resilient communities. Programmes focus on increasing volunteer engagement and satisfaction by removing barriers to volunteering for people of all ages and from all parts of society. They also support the creation and development of high-quality, positive volunteering opportunities in Wales, and promote changes in beneficiary organisations to embed volunteering into their culture. Their Strategic Grants aim to unlock the strategic potential of volunteering over the longer term. All funded work must take place in Wales.
Who can apply
Applications are welcomed from registered charities, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies, social enterprises, community groups and unincorporated associations based in Wales. Organisations may need a substantial annual income for certain programmes. WCVA targets people of all ages and from all parts of society, with an emphasis on reducing barriers to volunteering. There is no religious restriction on applicants.
What Wales Council for Voluntary Action doesn't fund
WCVA does not fund individuals, private businesses, or retrospective costs. Some programmes exclude proselytising activities, and where other Welsh Government grants are available for specific activities, it is expected that applicants will access those where possible. Capital-only projects are not supported.
How they like to fund
WCVA makes multi-year awards for certain programmes, such as the Volunteering Wales Main Grant, and one-off grants for others. They fund project delivery, salaries and equipment costs. Match funding is not required. The organisation welcomes unsolicited applications and supports a range of partnership working.
How much does Wales Council for Voluntary Action give?
Wales Council for Voluntary Action runs 3 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 38 sourced facts
- Online portal
- Multi-year funding
- Two-stage process
- Multi-year funding
- Single-year grants
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Wales Council for Voluntary Action funds — and what they won't
Increase volunteer engagement and satisfaction by removing barriers to volunteering for people of all ages and from all parts of society. Support the creation and development of high quality and positive volunteering opportunities in Wales. Promote changes in beneficiary organisations to embed volunteering into their culture.
The full exclusions list (1)
- Where there are other Welsh Government grants available for specific activities, it is expected that they will be accessed where possible.
Good to know
How to apply to Wales Council for Voluntary Action
Wales Council for Voluntary Action takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: online portal.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Wales Council for Voluntary Action could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Wales Council for Voluntary Action provide?
Wales Council for Voluntary Action runs 3 grant programmes — Volunteering Wales Main Grant 2025/28: Up to £30,000 · Volunteering Wales Strategic Grant Round 2 - 2025-28: £50,000 – £100,000 · Wales and Africa Grants Scheme 2025: £5,000 – £25,000.
Where does Wales Council for Voluntary Action fund charities?
Wales Council for Voluntary Action funds charities operating in Wales, Sub-Saharan Africa.
Does Wales Council for Voluntary Action accept unsolicited applications?
Wales Council for Voluntary Action accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does Wales Council for Voluntary Action not fund?
Their published exclusions include: Where there are other Welsh Government grants available for specific activities, it is expected that they will be accessed where possible.. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from Wales Council for Voluntary Action?
Wales Council for Voluntary Action takes applications via online form. Published programme route: online portal.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Wales Council for Voluntary Action be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.