The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced a new £1m funding initiative aimed at improving facilities at community clubs across Wales.

A successful application by the WRU to the Foundation of Sports and Arts for £250,000 is helping to fund the new initiative which will go towards grassroots projects.

Clubs will be able to apply for a grant of either £20,000, £5,000 or £1,000 provided they can match the funding through their own fundraising. The WRU has set out criteria to ensure that the grants benefit clubs all over Wales, as well as giving priority to clubs with higher participation levels.

One £20,000 grant will be available per region for projects which provide new facilities such as changing rooms or community halls. Four £5,000 grants will be available per region to upgrade existing facilities to provide additional changing facilities for clubs running women's, girls, junior and mini rugby sides.

There will also be 50 grants of £1,000 for clubs to increase participation levels by providing equipment for new female and junior teams.

In addition to the grant scheme, a further £500,000 has also been set aside by the WRU as part of its Club Loan Scheme. Clubs will be invited to apply for a loan up to the amount of their grant application and match-funding.

WRU chief executive, Roger Lewis, said: "Grassroots rugby clubs are at the heart and soul of the game in Wales. Rugby clubs across our nation are often at the centre of our communities, providing sporting, social and healthy living benefits.

"We have recently undertaken a survey of club facilities in Wales which shows an urgent need for investment in our club facilities."

Application forms, together with the criteria for the grants scheme, have been sent to all WRU clubs. The deadline for funding bids is 19 September.