GWR’s grant boost for Community Foundation Wales projects

The funding will add value to the Community Foundation Wales’ existing portfolio of grants and programmes, which include supporting young people and community groups.

GWR’s grant will be shared by projects in communities served by the train line from the Welsh border to Swansea.  

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting community and not-for-profit organisations.

Community Foundation Wales was established in 1999 and awards more than £2.6m each year to charities and community groups.

Among those to benefit include:

• A project providing music workshops for young people living in excluded communities, helping them develop new ways of thinking and learning valuable life skills.
• A youth group in Cardiff which re-educated young people about the dangers of trespassing and cable theft on the railway, using creative techniques such as rap, dance and drama.
• A weekly youth club helping young people to socialise and engage in activities encouraging team building, personal development, creativity and positive thinking. It provides a support network to young people who otherwise lack the pathways and opportunities to grow.

Community Foundation Wales’ CEO Richard Williams said:

“The foundation is all about inspiring people to give, helping Welsh communities to thrive and changing lives together. We are extremely grateful to Great Western Railway for this funding, which will help projects making a difference to the lives of so many.”

GWR Advisory Board member and President of the Heart of Wales Line Travellers’ Association, Professor Stuart Cole CBE, said:

“We are delighted that GWR is making these awards. In particular because the communities along the railway network in south, west and central Wales welcome the active traveller, arriving by train and walking and cycling while in Wales.

“Such travel is sustainable in both environmental and economic senses. It avoids car travel and experiences such as the Heart Of Wales Line Trail provide opportunities to link walking and cycling with rail travel. Tourism is a mainstay of the local Carmarthenshire economy and in particular the hospitality sector, whose meals and accommodation are local businesses which need particular support post Covid. Travel to the countryside also contributes to mental health and well-being.”

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:

“We have a specific pot of money designed to support community and not-for-profit organisations. Community Foundation Wales supports thousands of deserving projects and we know this funding will be put to good use.”

To find out more about Community Foundation Wales please visit communityfoundationwales.org.uk

Notes to editors

Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year – across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England.