Community groups across Gwynedd are being invited to apply for grants to tackle food poverty and help residents stay connected during the winter months.

Cyngor Gwynedd announced the opening of two funding schemes on Tuesday, 27 October, supported by the Welsh Government's Tackling Poverty Support funding for 2026/27.

The Gwynedd Food and Support Fund offers capital grants of up to £5,000 and revenue grants of up to £3,000.

Funding can support food banks, community pantries, meal clubs, cooking activities and projects helping residents access affordable, nutritious food. Capital funding can pay for equipment such as refrigerators, cooking facilities and storage, while revenue grants can help cover the direct costs of delivering activities.

However, the council wants projects to go beyond distributing food by helping people access advice and assistance with issues such as debt, benefits, housing and energy bills.

A separate Gwynedd Warm Spaces and Support Fund offers grants ranging from £250 to £2,000. It aims to sustain community activities that provide welcoming places for residents to meet, reducing loneliness and social isolation. Eligible activities include coffee mornings, lunch clubs, craft groups, family events and sessions for older people. The funding can contribute towards heating, lighting, venue hire, refreshments and other direct costs. Existing activities can apply, meaning groups do not have to establish a new service to qualify.

Both schemes are open to eligible not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community groups, social enterprises and town and community councils.

Gwynedd Council says applications will be assessed against local need and the benefits projects are expected to deliver.

Organisations are encouraged to discuss their plans with the council's community support team before applying.

Applications for both funds close at 1pm on Friday, 13 November.

Projects must complete their spending by 31 March 2027.

Further information is available through the Cist Gwynedd section of the council's website, or by emailing [email protected].