Charitable Trust makes milestone announcement

The Trust strives to enrich the quality of life in Welsh communities by investing in projects relating to sport, the arts, the community and the environment. It does so by issuing grants to voluntary and charitable organisations throughout Wales. The Trust’s income is generated through a levy on every ticket purchased by people attending public events at the Stadium in Cardiff.

Tom Jones OBE, the Trust’s Chairman, paid tribute to the people who have benefited from funds provided by the Trust – and of course the Welsh public who have made this grant giving possible:

“I am delighted to announce that the Trust has now been able to distribute £2 million to more than 500 individual projects in every local authority area in Wales. We are able to benefit a diverse range of projects and make a real difference to people’s lives, especially those most at need. Thanks to the public who have purchased tickets to events at the Stadium we have been able to make a real impact on the ‘well-being’ of the nation.”

To mark the £2 million landmark the Trust issued photographs celebrating the diverse projects that have been supported in Wales, including the Cefn Mawr, Rhosymedre & Newbridge Community Association in Wrexham who provide a variety of programmes to enable local communities to reach their full potential as citizens participating in community life.

The organisation received £2,000 in 2006 to establish the Cefn Mawr Basketball League to promote physical activity and social inclusion and help reduce youth nuisance & crime in the area.

Chairman of the Millennium Stadium, David Pickering, was delighted to hear that the Trust had reached such a significant milestone. He said, “In my opinion the success of the Millennium Stadium is a direct result of the vision and determination of the board and the executive staff of the Welsh Rugby Union and Millennium Stadium.

“In addition, the support we receive from the Welsh public is outstanding. Without this support it would not be possible to bring to Wales such major events, which include Madonna, the Police and the FIM British Speedway Grand Prix and indeed the biggest sporting event in the world this year the rugby world cup.

“I can think of no better way of saying thank you to the public than by putting something back into the communities who show their support to us. The milestone of £2 million is evidence of the high level of successful activity taking place within our stadium and our communities and is a tribute to those who give their time to make a difference to others.”

In conjunction with this landmark, the Trust has also unveiled its new website which provides applicants with an easy-to-use facility for understanding the grant scheme and completing the application form.  Always aware of the difficulties facing voluntary organisations in Wales, the Trust is keen to provide applicants with a clear and simple process for making their cases for funding. Further information is available from www.millenniumstadiumtrust.co.uk