The Welsh Government have announced that the Perthyn grant scheme, which provides funding to support Welsh language communities with high numbers of second homes, is increasing the amount of money available to communities to £400,000 this year. So far, the scheme has awarded 64 grants to communities across Gwynedd, Conwy, Ynys Môn, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire since 2022.
One example of a community group that has benefited from the programme is Bys a Bawd Pawb in Llanrwst. Bys a Bawd Pawb was set up as a Community Benefit Society after they received support from the Perthyn scheme. The aim of the society is to buy a shop that has been servicing the community for over half a century and turn it into a Welsh literary centre that will provide work and volunteer opportunities and will also provide affordable housing for local people above the shop.
In a press release by the Welsh Government, Nia Clwyd Owen, Councillor for Llanrwst and Llanddoged and Chair of the Bys a Bawd Pawb Working Group said:
“Without the support of the Perthyn grant, it is unlikely that Bys a Bawd Pawb would be in the strong position the community enterprise finds itself in today. The grant has been fundamental to the development of the initiative, enabling the group to appoint a consultant to lead on the community share offer scheme. The work she undertook to raise awareness of the project was invaluable.
In addition, the grant was used to host a series of events in Llanrwst, giving the local community the opportunity to learn more about the initiative and support it through investment.
This success is a testament to the power of communities when given the right support. We would like to thank the Perthyn grant scheme for their backing, and the community for their enthusiasm and commitment to creating positive local change.
Hwb Penmachno has also received a Perthyn grant award, to help the community with early-stage elements of their community-led housing initiative.”
Mark Drakeford, The Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language said:
“These inspiring community-led projects demonstrate the power of local action to strengthen Welsh-speaking communities. By expanding the Perthyn grant scheme across Wales, we’re giving more communities the chance to take control of their housing future and ensure the Welsh language remains at the heart of their initiatives.”
The scheme is run by Cwmpas for the Welsh Government. Up to £10,000 is available to successful applicants. You can find out more information as well as details on how to make an application on the Cwmpas website. The closing date for applications is midday 21 November 2025.
