The WCVA Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant offers eligible organisations in Wales up to £75,000 per year for community-led gambling harm prevention projects. Apply by 19 October 2026.
Background & Job Description
The Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), with funding from Public Health Wales (PHW), is inviting applications for the Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant. The scheme supports voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises developing innovative approaches to preventing gambling-related harm in Wales.
The fund forms part of a public health approach that seeks to address the social, economic and environmental factors contributing to gambling-related harm. It aims to strengthen community action, reduce inequalities and generate evidence that can inform future prevention policies and practices.
Eligible organisations can apply for up to £75,000 per year for up to two years. Match funding is not required, and successful projects may receive funding covering up to 100% of eligible costs.
The application window closes on 19 October 2026, so interested organisations should review the guidance and prepare their applications promptly.
Grant Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant | Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant |
| Funders | Public Health Wales |
| Administrator | Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) |
| Location | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Eligible applicants | Voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises, subject to scheme eligibility |
| Maximum funding | Up to £75,000 per year |
| Funding duration | Up to two years |
| Match funding | Not required |
| Eligible cost coverage | Up to 100% |
| Application deadline | 19 October 2026 at 5 pm |
| Expected award notifications | Week commencing 30 November 2026 |
| Project start date | 7 December 2026 |
| Application portal | WCVA Multipurpose Application Portal |
| Official guidance | Gambling Harms Grant information |
Tasks
The grant is designed to support projects that prevent gambling-related harm and strengthen the ability of communities and voluntary organisations to respond effectively.
Funded activities may focus on developing and testing prevention approaches, raising awareness, educating communities and reaching groups at higher risk of gambling-related harm.
Organisations may also deliver outreach programmes, strengthen community resilience, support families affected by someone else’s gambling, or build partnerships and networks across the voluntary sector.
Creative, digital and other innovative prevention initiatives are also encouraged, particularly where they address inequalities, incorporate lived experience and reflect Welsh public health principles.
All funded projects must be delivered in Wales, focus on prevention and remain independent of gambling industry funding or influence.
Qualifications (Education and Certification, Experience)
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is intended for organisations working within the voluntary sector in Wales, including:
- Voluntary organisations and charities.
- Community groups.
- Social enterprises.
- Organisations seeking to improve community wellbeing and prevent gambling-related harm.
Applicants should consult the official applicant guidance for the full eligibility conditions and any requirements relating to organisational status.
Eligible Project Areas
Proposed projects should contribute to at least one of the fund’s main objectives:
- Testing and developing effective approaches to gambling harm prevention.
- Strengthening community, voluntary-sector and wider system capacity.
- Addressing underlying drivers of gambling-related harm.
- Building the evidence base for prevention in Wales.
- Embedding lived experience and Welsh public health principles in prevention activities.
Applications should demonstrate how the proposed activities will benefit communities in Wales and contribute to prevention-focused outcomes.
Important: This is an organisational grant, not an individual scholarship or personal funding opportunity. Projects must be delivered in Wales and must not be influenced by gambling industry funding.
Additional Information
Funding Available
Eligible organisations can request up to £75,000 per year for a maximum of two years.
The scheme does not require match funding and can cover up to 100% of eligible project costs. This allows organisations to seek support for qualifying projects without necessarily having to provide additional matching funds.
The final grant amount and award duration will depend on the application and the scheme’s assessment process.
Application Deadline
Applications close at 5 pm on 19 October 2026.
According to WCVA, grant award notifications are expected during the week commencing 30 November 2026, with projects scheduled to start on 7 December 2026.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Information webinar | 12 August 2026 |
| Applications opened | 31 August 2026 |
| Clarification period | 31 August–19 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 19 October 2026, 5 pm |
| Expected award notifications | Week commencing 30 November 2026 |
| Project start date | 7 December 2026 |
How to Apply
Step 1: Read the applicant guidance.
Before applying, review the official Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant guidance to understand the eligibility requirements, eligible costs, application conditions and assessment process.
Step 2: Develop a prevention-focused project.
Prepare a proposal explaining how your organisation will prevent gambling-related harm, reach communities in Wales and address relevant inequalities or risk factors.
Step 3: Prepare your application.
Ensure that your organisation and proposed activities meet the scheme’s requirements. Set out the intended activities, project objectives and eligible costs in accordance with the guidance.
Step 4: Submit through the WCVA portal.
Applications are made through the Multipurpose Application Portal (MAP).
Access the WCVA Application Portal
Organisations should submit their applications before 5 pm on 19 October 2026 and allow time to resolve any portal or documentation issues.
Contact Information
For questions about the grant process or application requirements, contact the WCVA Grants Team.
Email: phwgrants@wcva.cymru
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Wales Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant?
It is a grant scheme funded by Public Health Wales and administered by WCVA to help voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises develop community-led approaches to preventing gambling-related harm.
2. How much funding can organisations receive?
Eligible organisations can apply for up to £75,000 per year for up to two years.
3. Is match funding required?
No. Match funding is not required, and projects may receive support covering up to 100% of eligible costs.
4. Who can apply for the grant?
The scheme targets voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises. Applicants should consult the official guidance to confirm their eligibility.
5. What activities can the grant support?
Potential activities include community awareness campaigns, education initiatives, targeted prevention work, outreach, family support, voluntary-sector capacity building, partnerships and innovative digital or creative projects.
6. Can projects be delivered outside Wales?
No. The published scheme requirements state that all funded projects must be delivered in Wales.
7. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 19 October 2026 at 5 pm.
8. When will successful applicants be notified?
WCVA expects to notify applicants during the week commencing 30 November 2026.
9. When can funded projects begin?
The stated project start date is 7 December 2026.
10. Where can organisations apply?
Applications must be submitted through the WCVA Multipurpose Application Portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant offers an opportunity for eligible organisations in Wales to secure funding for community-led projects that prevent gambling-related harm. The availability of up to £75,000 per year, with no match funding requirement, may help organisations develop or expand prevention initiatives that respond to local needs.
Potential applicants should ensure that their proposals are prevention-focused, community-led and independent of gambling industry influence. As the deadline is approaching, organisations should consult the official guidance and complete their applications before 5 pm on 19 October 2026.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares external grant and funding announcements for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with WCVA or Public Health Wales and does not make funding decisions. Applicants should verify eligibility, eligible costs and submission requirements through the official scheme guidance.
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