Wales in London Philanthropic Fund opens for first applications

Thanks to the leadership and inspiration of the members of the Wales in London organisation, the Community Foundation in Wales is delighted to announce the first round of the Wales in London Philanthropic Fund.

A splendid launch event in March 2015 was hosted by Quilter Cheviot, with author of Welsh crime novels Harry Bingham talking about his formative childhood experiences in Wales and the value of giving back. This Fund is focused on supporting enterprising students and business people at the beginning of their careers to flourish and achieve their ambitions.

Guests at the event were early donors to the Fund, and thanks to their contributions and the generous gifts made at the St David’s Day Dinner in March 2016, the endowment Fund is now able to make its first awards.

Liza Kellett, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation in Wales, explained, “I am thrilled that we can now open this funding opportunity to ambitious and motivated people in the pursuit of their professional and education goals.

“We walk alongside many donors who want to help young people, and when I chat with some of those 100 or so students we support each year with scholarships – from social entrepreneurs to Masters degree students – I’m always struck by the fact that it is recognition, of being deemed worthy of someone’s else’s interest, that is just as important as the financial element in helping them to achieve their goals.

“Many of us have been fortunate enough to have a parent, a sponsor, or a mentor walking alongside us. This is the underlying motivation of the Wales in London Philanthropic Fund – to support enterprising and ambitious Welsh young people to pursue their dreams. And following our donors’ example, we hope to encourage them to then give back themselves.”

Wales in London provides a link to Wales and allows those in London to be involved with issues important to Wales. It’s the forum in London where Welsh people can contribute to the national discussions on social, economic, sporting, creative and business issues. Grants from the Fund can support costs associated with being a student, scholarships, business bursaries, work experience and career development in London or outside Wales.

An application form can be found on the Wales in London Philanthropic Fund page. Alternatively, you can contact the Foundation on 02920 379 580 or email grants@cfiw.org.uk for more information.

Individuals can apply for grants of between £500 and £1,250.