The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has revealed the 47 grassroots clubs that are set to benefit from a new £1m funding initiative designed to improve facilities in communities across Wales.

Following a successful bid to the Foundation for Sports and Arts (FSA) for a £250,000 grant, £50,000 was allocated by the WRU to each of the five geographical rugby regions. Clubs were then invited to apply for a share of the cash. As part of criteria set out by the WRU, clubs applying for various grants were required to match the amount through their own fundraising schemes, while priority was also given to clubs with higher participation levels.

Llantwit Fadre RFC, located in the Cardiff Blues region, was one club to benefit from a maximum grant of £20,000, which will go towards upgrading changing facilities. Nant Conwy RFC in North Wales was also awarded the maximum amount, which will help fund a £200,000 project to build a new clubhouse. Other recipients of a £20,000 grant include Caernarfon RFC, North Wales; Dunvant RFC in the Ospreys region; Newport High School Old Boys and RTB Ebbw Vale in the Dragons region; and Amman United in the Scarlets region.

A further 40 clubs received awards of either £1,000 and £5,000, with eight successful clubs in the Blues, Dragons and North Wales areas, six clubs in the Scarlets region, and 17 in the Ospreys region. Roger Lewis, WRU chief executive, said: "Grassroots rugby clubs are 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.

"Thousands of volunteer coaches, team managers, match officials and administrators around Wales do an amazing job in nurturing our young talent – but it is important that the facilities available to our players and coaches match that level of commitment." In addition, the WRU also earmarked a further £500,000 through its Club Loan Scheme for clubs to apply for additional funding to upgrade facilities.