Grants available to help tackle period poverty

Applications for the 2025/26 Period Dignity Grant are now open Photo credit: Unsplash

Third sector organisations across Cardiff are invited to apply for grant funding to help provide access to free period products across the city.

Applications for the 2025/26 Period Dignity Grant are now open and funding up to £2,000 per organisation is available.

The funds can be used to purchase and distribution of eco-friendly period products, educational materials and essential hygiene items in practical and accessible ways, for example through community hubs or outreach programmes.

This is part a Welsh Government-funded initiative aimed at ensuring that period products are made available to those who need them.

In the UK, one in 10 girls can't afford to buy period products, according to research by Bodyform.

Cabinet member for public health and equality, Cllr Julie Sangani, said: “Period dignity is a basic right, not a privilege. Through this grant, we’re empowering local organisations to make a real difference in their communities—ensuring that no one has to choose between buying food and period products. I encourage all eligible groups to apply and be part of this vital city-wide effort.”

Between April and December last year, more than 3,000 period products were distributed across Cardiff Council hubs and libraries, along with the parks and recreation teams, sports bodies and via Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

An estimated 1,250 people were reached through community groups and charities across the city, with users describing the service as “life-changing” and “a lifesaver for our local community”, according to the council.

The council has partnered with organisations and charities in 71 different locations across the city and has also invested more than £1m in its period dignity initiative in schools across the city since 2019.

To apply for funding, organisations can email  voluntarysectorgrants@cardiff.gov.uk and requests will be considered up to the end of the financial year.

For more information on where to access free period products in Cardiff, visit here