Community projects are being invited to apply for funding as part of a memorial scheme for a Powys politician.
The Mick Bates Community Memorial Fund is offering grants to charities and groups supporting people in Montgomeryshire, with a focus on Llanfair Caereinion and the Banwy Valley areas.
Named in memory of the late Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Mick Bates, the fund offers small grants of up to £500 to support grassroots projects.
It was established by Mr Bates’ family following his death from bone cancer on August 29, 2022.
More than £15,000 has already been distributed to date.
Cadvan Evans, chair of the memorial fund, said: "The Mick Bates Community Memorial Fund exists to keep Mick’s legacy alive by supporting the causes he cared about most about.
OTHER NEWS:
-
Newtown parkrun turns blue in support of Dementia Action Week
-
Patient diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer takes on swimming challenge
-
Welshpool Town Council thanks community members raising funds for Remembrance Day
"We know that even a small grant can make a big difference, and we hope these awards will play a meaningful role in improving lives and strengthening local communities."
Applications must be submitted by 1pm on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Ruth Bates, Mr Bates's daughter, said the scheme reflects her father’s core beliefs.
She said: "Mick always believed in the power of people working together, and this is what is behind the setting up of the Fund.
"We’re very grateful to everyone who has supported the Fund whether through events or online donations."
Groups that have previously benefited include The Institute, Ffrindiau Ysgol Bro Caereinion Friends, Cancer Research Llanfair Caereinion Branch; Llanfair Caereinion Bowling; Club New Life Church; Cylch Meithrin Banw; Llanfair United Football Club; Caffi Cymundeol Llanfair Caereinion Community Café; Llanidloes Chamber of Trade; Ysgol Cwm Banwy; Llanfair Caereinion YFC; Dyffryn Banw FC and Llanfair Caereinion and District support group for the Severn Hospice.
The scheme is open to properly constituted charities, clubs and community groups with a bank account.
Applicants must demonstrate charitable aims and show that their work benefits the people of Montgomeryshire, with particular emphasis on the communities of Llanfair Caereinion and the Banwy Valley.
All applications will be judged on individual merit by the fund’s trustees, who will announce successful candidates in August.
The fund is managed by trustees Ruth Bates, Cllr Gareth Jones, Nic Davies, Betsan Llwyd, Wyn Williams, Cerys Metcalf and Cadvan Evans, and is administered by PAVO.
Organisations wishing to apply can find application forms on the fund’s website at www.mickbatescommunitymemorialfund.co.uk.
The application window opens on Friday, June 1, and will close at 1pm on Friday, July 31. Successful applicants will be announced in August 2026.
Share