Help the Community – and Maybe Win Some Money
News from KAREN LEWIS
In 2005 small schools in West Wales were at risk of closing due to a lack of funding. As a solution to the problem, the Small Schools Fund was established, as a result of a community reaction in Pembrokeshire, with the sole purpose of preventing local schools from becoming obsolete. Then, in 2015, the scheme changed its name to the Cronfa Asedion Cymunedol / Community Asset Fund after clinching LEADER and European Union funding.
With this new funding came a similar but different focus. The scheme was now to concentrate on supporting local community groups or clubs through to local community projects or good causes such as saving local shops or the upkeep of sports pitches, by generating a regular source of funds.
So how does it work?
We ask for people to sign up to the lottery scheme by completing the required documentation (standing order and contact details form). A one-off £6 administration fee is then taken, followed by monthly standing orders of £5 debited on the first of each month. You will also be asked to name a beneficiary or local good cause to receive 50% of your contributions.
Where does your money go?
Across a 12-month period you will have contributed £60 into the scheme. 50% of this money (£30) will go straight to your beneficiary once you have been a member for a year. The remaining 50% is broken down into prize money (35%) and administration (15%). As a member you will be automatically entered into a monthly lottery draw. Your £5 will give you five draw numbers each month and so five chances of winning a cash prize. Currently, the first prize is £100 and the second prize is £30. As more people join the scheme, the cash prizes increase, as there is, of course, more money in the fund.
Why do we do it?
Very simply, it is so important to support local communities, projects and organisations, especially in the current climate. The pandemic has really taken its toll on those local communities, and new funding streams are desperately required. We also believe that fostering community spirit is always greatly needed and helps bring people together. To top it all off, you can also win some money!
As a member of the scheme you get to decide who will be awarded your 50% contribution. There is no set rule on who your beneficiary can be. All we ask is that they are community-focused, i.e. your donated money will be put back into the community in some form. Canolfan Hermon recently received a payout of £1,092 to put towards its community work and related good causes.
Since the start of the year we have given out over £1,000 in lottery prize money.
How can I find out more?
We are very approachable and would love to hear from anyone wishing to support
the scheme. You can read more about the project and see all of our previous winners by visiting our website at www.asedion.cymru.
We can also be found on the PLANED website at https://www.planed.org.uk/projects/cronfa-asedion-cymunedol/
And we are also active on Facebook and Twitter – simply search Asedion Cymunedol.
Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to someone then you can call the PLANED office on 01834 860965 and ask for Jason Retter, or email: jason.retter@planed.org.uk.
