Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The Cardiff and Vale Education Fund provides grants of up to £2,000 per year for up to three years to support educational enrichment and health-focused activities for children and young people aged up to 18. The fund supports schools and eligible partner organisations delivering extracurricular and non-curriculum-based initiatives that enhance learning, wellbeing, and healthy living.
Overview
The Cardiff and Vale Education Fund supports projects that improve the educational development, wellbeing, and life opportunities of children and young people in the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan areas. The fund focuses on activities that go beyond the statutory National Curriculum, offering enrichment through extracurricular learning and health-related initiatives.
It aims to strengthen early years development through to age 18 by funding programmes that support learning, creativity, physical health, and positive lifestyle habits.
Objectives of the Fund
The main objectives include:
- Supporting educational development for children and young people (early years to 18 years)
- Funding extracurricular school-based activities
- Promoting health awareness and healthy living initiatives
- Expanding learning opportunities beyond the National Curriculum
- Encouraging wellbeing, creativity, and active lifestyles
- Supporting inclusive access to enrichment activities
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: Up to £2,000 per year
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Purpose: Educational enrichment and health-related activities
- Type: Grant funding for non-statutory learning initiatives
Eligible Activities
Funding may support a wide range of extracurricular and enrichment activities, including:
- Breakfast clubs supporting healthy routines and learning readiness
- After-school clubs focused on education, arts, or physical activity
- Gardening and environmental education projects
- Health and wellbeing programmes in schools
- Sports, dance, and physical activity initiatives
- Creative learning and skill-building workshops
- Outreach sessions delivered by partner organisations
Who Can Apply (Eligibility Criteria)
Eligible applicants include:
- Schools located in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Local Authority areas
- Schools delivering projects beyond statutory education provision
- Charities working in partnership with eligible schools
- Not-for-profit organisations collaborating with schools in the region
Eligible partner-led activities must:
- Benefit children and young people aged up to 18
- Provide learning or enrichment beyond the National Curriculum
- Support education, health, or wellbeing outcomes
Examples of Eligible Projects
- A school running an after-school science or arts club
- A breakfast club promoting healthy eating and readiness for learning
- A gardening project teaching environmental awareness
- A youth dance organisation delivering taster sessions in schools
- A community sports initiative promoting physical health
Ineligible Applicants
The following are not eligible:
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) within their first 18 months of registration
- CICs applying during their initial trading period
- Organisations not working in partnership with eligible schools
- Projects that only deliver statutory National Curriculum content
How the Application Process Works
Step 1: Identify a Suitable Project
Applicants must design a project that supports educational enrichment or health and wellbeing.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure the school or partner organisation is located within Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan and meets funding criteria.
Step 3: Develop Project Plan
Include:
- Project objectives
- Target age group (up to 18 years)
- Delivery activities
- Expected outcomes
- Budget requirements
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the funding application for review under the Education Fund guidelines.
Step 5: Assessment
Applications are assessed based on:
- Educational impact
- Contribution to wellbeing and healthy living
- Value for money
- Quality of delivery plan
- Benefit to children and young people
Step 6: Funding Decision
Successful applicants receive funding of up to £2,000 per year for approved activities.
Why This Funding Matters
This fund plays an important role in expanding educational opportunities beyond formal schooling. It helps children and young people access activities that improve learning outcomes, build confidence, and support physical and mental wellbeing.
It also strengthens community-school partnerships and encourages innovative approaches to education and health promotion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for statutory curriculum-based activities only
- Submitting applications without school partnership (for external organisations)
- Ignoring eligibility rules for CICs
- Overestimating budget needs beyond £2,000 per year
- Failing to clearly explain educational or health benefits
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly show how the project benefits learning or wellbeing
- Link activities to measurable outcomes for children and young people
- Demonstrate collaboration between schools and organisations
- Include simple, realistic budgets
- Focus on engagement, inclusion, and participation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for this fund?
Schools in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan, and charities or not-for-profits working in partnership with those schools.
What is the maximum funding available?
Up to £2,000 per year for a maximum of three years.
What age group is supported?
Children and young people from early years up to 18 years old.
Are extracurricular activities eligible?
Yes. The fund specifically supports extracurricular and enrichment activities beyond the National Curriculum.
Can CICs apply?
Only CICs that are more than 18 months old are eligible; newer CICs cannot apply.
What types of activities are commonly funded?
Breakfast clubs, after-school clubs, sports, gardening projects, and health-focused initiatives.
Do projects need to be school-based?
Yes, or delivered in partnership with eligible schools in the region.
Conclusion
The Cardiff and Vale Education Fund supports meaningful educational enrichment and health-focused initiatives for children and young people. By funding extracurricular activities beyond the curriculum, it helps improve wellbeing, encourage active learning, and create more inclusive opportunities for development across the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan region.
For more information, visit Community Foundation Wales.
