Current status of the fund
The fund is open for applications from 31 August 2026 until 19 October 2026, see timetable below for more details.
On this page
- About the fund
- What we’ll fund
- Eligibility and what’s available
- Timescales
- How to apply
- Information session
- Contact us
- Resources
About the fund
Funded by Public Health Wales (PHW) and administered by WCVA, the Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant will strengthen Wales’ capacity to prevent gambling-related harms through evidence-informed and community-led action. The fund recognises the vital role that voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises play in reaching communities, addressing inequalities and helping people thrive.
The programme is part of a new public health approach to gambling-related harm prevention in Wales, focusing on the social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to harm, while generating learning that will help shape future policy and practice.
What we’ll fund
The Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant scheme aims to support organisations that can help:
- Test and develop effective approaches to preventing gambling-related harms.
- Strengthen community, sector and system capacity.
- Address the underlying drivers of gambling-related harms.
- Build the evidence base for prevention in Wales.
- Embed lived experience and Welsh public health principles throughout prevention activity.
The fund encourages projects that are prevention-focused, community-led and rooted in the Welsh context, including activities that reduce inequalities, strengthen community resilience and support those most at risk of experiencing gambling-related harms.
Eligibility and what’s available
Organisations can apply for grants of up to £75,000 per year for up to two years. Match funding is not required, and projects can be funded up to 100% of eligible costs.
Funding could support:
- Community awareness campaigns and education initiatives.
- Targeted prevention work with higher-risk or under-served groups.
- Community outreach, social action and resilience-building activities.
- Support for families and others affected by someone else’s gambling.
- Voluntary sector capacity-building, partnerships and networks.
- Creative, digital and innovative approaches to prevention.
All funded projects must be delivered in Wales, take a prevention-focused approach and be independent of gambling industry funding or influence.
Timescales
- Information and overview webinar: 12 August 2026
- Application window opens: 31 August 2026
- Clarification window for questions in relation to the scheme: 31 August-19 October 2026
- Application window closes: 19 October 2026
- Notification of grant awards: w/c 30 November 2026
- Project start date: 7 December 2026
A more detailed timetable is available in the Gambling Harms – Voluntary Sector Grant applicant guidance.
How to apply
Applications can be made through MAP, WCVA’s Multipurpose Application Portal. To register and view current funding opportunities, visit map.wcva.cymru.
Before applying, organisations are encouraged to read the full applicant guidance.
Contact us
For questions about the grant process and applications, contact the WCVA Grants Team: phwgrants@wcva.cymru.
This new fund offers an important opportunity for Wales’ voluntary sector to help shape and deliver a stronger, more evidence-informed approach to preventing gambling-related harms and supporting community wellbeing across Wales.