Ashley Family Foundation

The Foundation funds arts, crafts and education activities that benefit isolated or disadvantaged people, particularly in rural Wales. Within these focus areas, they prioritise projects with a sustainability and environmental angle. They support creative workshops, heritage crafts, arts education, and community events that tackle social isolation and rural disadvantage. The Foundation also funds community development and environmental initiatives integrated with creative practice. All funded work must take place in Wales and reach people in need, with a special emphasis on rural and mid-Wales communities. Costs supported include project delivery and revenue expenses, though capital works are not funded.

Applications are open to registered charities and community interest companies (CICs) based in and working with people in Wales. The Foundation prioritises organisations that serve isolated rural communities and people most in need, including disadvantaged youth, elderly people experiencing loneliness, and families in rural areas. They seek grassroots groups that use arts, crafts and education to address social exclusion and build community resilience. Schools and individuals cannot apply.

The Foundation does not fund faith-based projects, sport or recreation, animal welfare, physical health initiatives, or capital works. They also exclude overseas projects, retrospective funding for activities already completed, work with communities outside Wales, and repayment of debts. Individuals and schools are not eligible to apply.

The Foundation offers revenue grants that can be multi-year, often requiring match funding from other sources. They welcome unsolicited applications and consider proposals that align with their focus on arts, crafts, education and environmental sustainability for rural Welsh communities.