Penzance Council Awards £28,000 in Grants to Support Community Organisations

Penzance Council has awarded over £28,000 in grant funding to eight community organisations, supporting a mix of events, cultural activities and local services.

Councillors resolved to support eight applications during the first two grant windows of this financial year, with a total of £28,168 awarded. Beneficiaries include Montol Festival, Penzance Community Flora Group, YMCA Cornwall, West Cornwall Women’s Aid, Redwing Contemporary Art CIC, Citizens Advice Cornwall, Friends of Penzance Burial Ground and Nance Provisions CIC.

The council provides grants to local community groups and charities working to benefit residents and the environment. Due to high demand last year, the budget was fully allocated before the end of the financial year. In response, the budget for 2025/2026 has been increased, and four grant windows introduced to spread funding more evenly throughout the year.

Montol Festival

Taking place on 21st December, the shortest day of the year, Montol is an annual arts and community festival in Penzance. It celebrates the midwinter solstice, Cornish midwinter traditions of the past, and customs associated with Old Christmas.

With Montol falling on a Sunday this year, the organisers are planning a ‘Super Saturday’ of public workshops and activities the day before the main event.

The festival received £7,500 of grant funding. Organisers said:

“A huge thank you to Penzance Council for awarding Montol grant funding again. The money will ensure that this year’s festival goes ahead and is brighter, more brimful and safer than ever before.”

Penzance Community Flora Group

The Penzance Community Flora Group is a team of volunteers dedicated to enhancing and maintaining planted spaces in the heart of the town. Their aim is to foster civic pride by creating attractive, welcoming spaces that reflect Penzance’s vibrant spirit and community values.

Matching funding from Penzance BID, the £3,168 from the council will provide 240 hanging baskets and floral displays within the town centre next year.

YMCA Cornwall

Established in Penzance over a hundred years ago, YMCA Cornwall today provides 50 young people with a safe, affordable home and support to build an independent future.

With a waiting list of 46, including 10 under 18, the organisation will use the £4,364 awarded to convert two spaces on their site into four additional flats for homeless young people.

West Cornwall Women’s Aid

West Cornwall Women’s Aid supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, sexual violence, exploitation and trafficking. They deliver a trauma-informed programme to help families thrive.

The group has been awarded £3,776 to project manage and deliver this year’s 16 Days of Activism, a high-profile event that brings the community together on the issue of violence against women and girls. It includes a Solidarity Walk and vigil.

Redwing Contemporary Art CIC

Based in Penzance at the former Sir Humphry Davy pub on Alverton Street, Redwing Contemporary Art CIC provides workshops, exhibitions, and classes. They also operate the Penzance Repair Café, Community Larder and Land for Nature project.

They have been awarded £2,909 to help cover legal costs and stamp duty as they look to purchase the building as a community asset.

Citizens Advice Cornwall

Citizens Advice Cornwall offers free, independent and confidential advice on welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment, consumer issues and more. Last year, 450 clients from Penzance Parish used the service.

The £1,826 awarded will be used to replace laptops and ancillary hardware at their Penzance office, ensuring cyber security for client data.

Friends of Penzance Burial Ground

The Friends of Penzance Burial Ground are restoring and maintaining a former burial ground in Heamoor, with the aim of opening it as a community memorial garden.

They have received £2,327 for a full tree survey and the necessary pruning, felling and chipping works, which are legally required before the site can open to the public.

Nance Provisions CIC

Nance Provisions CIC delivers bushcraft workshops and outdoor skills sessions, helping people build confidence and connect with nature. Activities include archery, angling, drone flying and DIY.

The £2,298 awarded will go towards a shipping container and storage racks, ensuring equipment is secure and activities can be reactive to individual needs.

Next Grant Applications

The next applications will be considered at the Finance & General Purposes Committee meeting on Monday 20th October. The final window will open on Monday 15th December.

Local groups can find out more about applying via the Penzance Council website or by contacting the council offices on 01736 363405 or info@penzance-tc.gov.uk