Objective 1 has reached a key milestone with the approval of the 50th project for Pembrokeshire.
The Pembrokeshire Keyfund was developed by the Pembrokeshire Association for Voluntary Services (PAVS) in order to support community-led projects in the Priority 3 targeted electoral divisions of Pembroke Dock Central, Pembroke Dock Llanion, Monkton, St Dogmaels and Maenclochog.
The aim of the Pembrokeshire Keyfund is to overcome the barriers faced by smaller voluntary and community groups who may not currently have the expertise or resources to access Objective 1 funds directly.
The Objective 1 funding, which will amount to £368,000, will be accessed through a simplified application process, with projects potentially being approved in two to three months. Prioritising of projects will take place at a local electoral division level. The range of grants available will be in the region of £3,000 - £10,000.
Said Michael Odlin, from PAVS: "Successful regeneration is often dependent on communities having the opportunities and tools to get involved, the Pembrokeshire Keyfund is both an opportunity and a tool.
"It is important to remember that the full possibilities of Objective 1 funding are open to the Priority 3 wards and not just the extra targeted resources of which the Keyfund is an example."
Gwyn Evans, Lead Officer for the Pembrokeshire Partnership Management Board Secretariat, said: "This project is very important to the Objective 1 Programme for Pembrokeshire. Firstly, it is the 50th project to be approved, confirming that people are more aware of the benefits and uses of Objective 1. Also, this project is only the second one in Pembrokeshire funded through Priority 3, and it is to be hoped that this stimulates further applications for these funds."