National Windrush Day Grant Funding 2026 | Windrush Cymru @78
Maximum grant per organisation
National Windrush Day in Wales
Consecutive year of this scheme
What is National Windrush Day?
National Windrush Day is celebrated every year on 22 June — the anniversary of the arrival of the MV Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948. The ship brought workers from Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados and other Caribbean and Commonwealth nations to the United Kingdom, answering the call to help fill labour shortages and rebuild Britain after the Second World War.
The people who arrived between 1948 and 1971 became known as the Windrush Generation. They made enormous contributions to public services, culture, the arts, healthcare and the Welsh economy — and their legacy continues to shape communities across Wales today.
22 June 2026 marked the 9th National Windrush Day celebrated in Wales — a milestone that underlines the deep connection between the Windrush story and the communities that call Wales home.
“The Windrush Generation helped build modern Britain. This grant ensures their story is told, celebrated and remembered in communities right across Wales.”
About the National Windrush Day Grant 2026
The National Windrush Day Grant 2026, branded as Windrush Cymru @78, was funded by the Welsh Government and administered by Race Council Cymru, led by Windrush Cymru Elders. It formed part of the Welsh Government’s Anti-racist Wales Action Plan — a commitment to building a Wales where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and included.
Applications were open from 17 April 2026. The original deadline of 4 May 2026 was extended to 10 May 2026 to allow additional organisations to apply. Funded events and activities were required to take place between June and September 2026, with completion reports due by 30 October 2026.
A key feature of this scheme — and what makes it distinctive — is that applications were assessed and awarded by an independent panel made up of Windrush Elders and Commonwealth Nationals, with Welsh Government observing the process. The community itself decides who receives the funding.
What the Grant Funded and Who Could Apply
Eligible Organisations
- Registered charities in Wales
- Community Interest Companies (CICs)
- Constituted community groups
- Organisations based and working in Wales
- Groups with safeguarding and equalities policies in place
Eligible Spend (Revenue Only)
- Project staff costs
- Contractor and performer fees
- Refreshments and catering
- Materials and event supplies
- Travel and subsistence
- Capital expenditure (not permitted)
- Equipment purchases (not permitted)
All funded events and activities were required to credit Welsh Government as funder, displaying the Welsh Government logo on all event materials, social media posts and printed items.
What Projects Needed to Achieve
Applications were assessed on quality (75%) and cost (25%). Projects needed to demonstrate alignment with at least one of the Welsh Government’s Windrush guidelines:
Raise awareness of National Windrush Day and promote positive messages about the Windrush generation.
Promote the historical, economic and cultural contributions of the Windrush generation to Wales.
Provide education or training around the Windrush generation and their contributions to Welsh development.
Demonstrate direct benefit to Windrush generation elders and show how they would be actively involved.
Link the activity to the wider objectives of the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan.
Involve Windrush Generation migrants and Commonwealth nationals in the design and delivery of the project.
How Funding Was Paid
Successful applicants received 75% of their grant upfront on receipt of the signed award offer letter and any further required evidence. The remaining 25% was released on satisfactory assessment of the final completion report, submitted by 30 October 2026.
Completion reports needed to evidence delivery through images, video, social media posts, event posters bearing the Welsh Government logo, audience evaluation data, and equalities monitoring information.
About Race Council Cymru
Race Council Cymru (RCC) is a registered charity and the national umbrella body for race equality organisations in Wales. Since 2010, RCC has championed equality, empowered communities and influenced change across Wales — bringing together people, institutions and policymakers to confront racism and celebrate heritage.
The National Windrush Day Grant scheme is led by Windrush Cymru Elders, an RCC-affiliated group dedicated to promoting the inclusion of Windrush generation elders in Wales. Their involvement in assessing and awarding grants ensures the funding process is led by, and accountable to, the community it serves.
The scheme is funded by Welsh Government as part of its ongoing commitment to the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan.
Interested in Future Funding?
The National Windrush Day Grant scheme has run for five consecutive years. Applications for the 2026 cycle are now closed. If you would like to be notified when future funding rounds open, or if you have questions about the scheme, please get in touch with the Race Council Cymru team.
You can also stay connected by following RCC on social media for the latest news, events and funding opportunities across Wales.
Questions about this grant scheme or future funding rounds
