Cymraeg English

Some recent beneficiaries

In making grants for the repair and improvement of church buildings some priority is given to church sharing. This might involve the coming together of a number of traditions to create a new and united congregation (e.g. Llandudno) or the use of the same building by two or more traditions. Another priority is the development of church buildings as a focus for the local church's work and outreach in the community. Some recent examples include the building of a new Youth and Community Hall by the members of St Theodore's Church, Port Talbot, and the redevelopment of their hall by the members of Tabernacle Welsh Congregational Church, Porthcawl. Architectural merit is not of great significance for the Foundation because it is the life and mission work of the church which are given the highest priority. The result is that support is provided to a variety of architectural styles from the pre-reformation Anglican churches to the traditional non-conformist chapels (e.g. Capel Tegid, y Bala) to more recent community based church centres to those serving Christian denominations very much in the minority in Wales (e.g. the Pales Quaker Meeting House in Llandegley).

In terms of the Foundation's grant allocations to registered charities there is a clear focus on working with young people. Not surprisingly, over a long period of time the Foundation has provided many grants to projects initiated by Urdd Gobaith Cymru. These have included support for Eisteddfodau and projects at Glanllyn and Llangrannog and, more recently, at the Urdd's complex which forms part of the Millennium Centre in Cardiff. Support has also been given to Valleys Kids. This project in the Rhondda Valley began in 1978 and provides a range of opportunities mainly for young people in what is one of Wales's largest areas of social deprivation.

Many hundreds of individuals have also benefited from the Foundation over the years. Historically probably the largest category has been those training for the Christian Ministry.

More recently the largest category are those undertaking higher degrees in order to gain entry into a range of professional careers. A number, having completed their higher degrees have embarked upon academic careers. These include Norman Doe who received support to complete his PhD in the early 1980s and is now Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Law and Religion at Cardiff University. Laura McAllister is currently Professor of Governance at the University of Liverpool. She received support to complete her PhD thesis on the 'Political Philosophy of Plaid Cymru' in the early 1990s. In the late 1990s grant aid was given to Laura Merris Griffiths to complete her research work on the effects of the media on children and young people. Dr Griffiths is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies at Aberystwyth University. Dr Paul Joyner is currently Head of Purchasing and Donations at the National Library of Wales. He was given support to obtain his MA (1979) and PhD (1983 - 86) degrees. He is shown with two of his recent publications.

Those specialising in the performing and creative arts have also been beneficiaries. These include such well known names as Rhys Meirion, Aled Hall, Fflur Wyn, Cefyn Burgess and Fiona Phillips (GMTV). John Meirion Morris is a sculptor of note. He received support from the Foundation to establish himself as a professional sculptor and to complete an MA thesis. An example of his most recent work is a sculpture of Gwyn Thomas, former Professor of Welsh at Bangor University and currently Wales's National Poet. Karen Pearce is an artist based in Aberystwyth. She received support from the Foundation to complete her MA in Fine Art in 2001 and 2002. 'Teifi Pools' is an example of her recent work.

But over the years the Foundation has ranged very widely in its support of people's aspirations and career development. An interesting example is that of Tim Jenkins who hails from Newport in Southeast Wales. In 1985 Tim received support to train as a pilot. Having worked for the Air Ambulance Service in Ontario, Canada, Tim now works as a pilot with Air Canada serving as a first officer on the Boeing 767. The photograph shows Tim at work in the cockpit.

Charity Registration Number: 1069598
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