A new partnership has been launched between the Port of Milford Haven and PAVS to improve access to funding for community groups and charities in Pembrokeshire.

The Port’s popular Community Fund has been running for many years and attracts around 100 applications annually from a wide range of organisations which are assessed and decided upon by a committee of voluntary staff members.

PAVS (Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services) has been delivering partnership funding for the third sector in Pembrokeshire for over 20 years and is a strong advocate for the sector’s ability to deliver impactful grass roots projects in response to societal needs, making it the ideal partner for managing the fund going forward.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “PAVS are a well-respected organisation with great connections and we are delighted to be supporting them by utilising their expert skills to promote and distribute our charitable donations.

“Working in collaboration with PAVS, we expect many more community groups to be able to access our funding and for those valuable donations to be used to create positive impact across communities in Pembrokeshire,” she added.

Grants of up to £5,000 to support community action are available to projects meeting the Port’s themes of ‘a sustainable and resilient environment’; ‘a safe, inclusive and enjoyable waterway’; and ‘a vibrant and prosperous community’.

The fund offers grants to all kinds of organisations, however projects that also align with the Port’s core values of safety, collaboration, excellence and sustainability will be prioritised.

Funding Development Officer at PAVS, Lorna Livock, said: “PAVS is excited about consolidating our relationship with the Port of Milford Haven through this partnership agreement to work with them to deliver the reinvigorated Community Fund, offering Pembrokeshire groups opportunities for funding to deliver projects within the fund themes. We can’t wait to see the applications that come forward!”

In the Port of Milford Haven’s 65th year, revenues exceeded £40m for the first time; closing the year at £41.3m.

Healthy trading for the Port’s cargo handling, property, and hospitality and tourism divisions also highlighted the success of its long-term growth and diversification strategies, helping boost this year’s strong financial performance which saw profits rise to £4.1m.

The Port of Milford Haven’s solid financial position comes at a key time as it looks to the future.

To apply to the Community Fund please visit www.pavs.org.uk/apply-for-funds