Joyce Watson AM, met representatives from the business, public and voluntary sectors on Thursday at the launch of two Welsh Assembly Government initiatives being lead by Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS) to provide not-for-profit voluntary and community groups with new sources of funding.

Giving Sir Gâr is the continuation of the very successful pilot project conducted in Carmarthenshire to develop a county fund through employer partnerships with local groups and has been further funded to extend the initiative to four neighbouring counties over the next three years.

Helen Martin Project officer at CAVS said "we are delighted to be supported by the AM at this very exciting time for the project. We hope that through working closely with county employers in developing their community involvement programmes, we can develop a robust and long-term source of support for local charities and other voluntary groups."

If businesses or other organisations want to learn more about the schemes we have on offer such as employee volunteering opportunities or staff fundraising ideas then please get in touch with us on 01554 777112, email: helen@cavs.org.uk

Also highlighted at the meeting was the new round of the Community Development Fund. This grant scheme is designed to provide not-for-profit voluntary and community groups in Carmarthenshire with a new source of capital funding to develop community facilities and activities.

Projects could include the following: creating or refurbishing facilities; improving the built or natural environment; encouraging healthy and active lifestyles; promoting activities to increase social inclusion and equality; training programmes; community business support and strengthening cultural and linguistic identity. Grants can be provided for capital costs only.

The closing date for applications is Friday 31^st October 2008. Guidelines and application forms are available from Matthew Lawlor, CAVS, 3 St Peter's Street, Carmarthen, SA31 1LN, Email: matthew@cavs.org.uk, Phone 01267 236367, and can be downloaded from CAVS website www.cavs.org.uk.

For further information and guidance on the grant scheme please contact Matthew Lawlor, Funding Advice Officer at the above address.