Independent news titles in Wales can now apply for a share of a £100,000 fund aimed at supporting local public interest journalism.

The Welsh Public Interest News Accelerator fund will support up to 10 outlets committed to delivering locally relevant public interest news and promoting growth in the Welsh community news sector.

The funding, which involves grants of up to £9,400, is provided by the Welsh Government and will go towards paying publishers for their time producing public interest news.

The grant is being facilitated by Ping! News CIC – a community interest company that was set up by the Independent Community News Network and Bristol-based developer Omni Digital, which aims to support sustainability in the independent community news sector.

Deputy director of ICNN Matt Abbott said: “We’re delighted independent community news publishers in Wales are receiving financial support to carry out the vital watchdog journalism which is so important in a vibrant democracy.

“It will allow them to continue their in-depth reporting on local town halls and decision-makers, shining a light on issues important to local communities. In a sector dominated by big publishers, this fund is more important now than ever.”

The accelerator will support organisations committed to covering, councils, courts and the local justice system, health boards, fire authority, police crime commission, and other statutory agencies.

It will also consider applications that will help drive audience engagement, mentoring programmes, a constructive focus on young people, knowledge transfer, coaching, employing freelancers and growing mobile and AI journalism capabilities.

Submissions will be welcomed until 6 August and details on how to apply the scheme are available here.