The Ashley Family Foundation Fund

Our values

The values of the Foundation are inspired by how Bernard and Laura ran their business. While Laura Ashley grew to be a global empire, it had its roots in mid Wales where Bernard and Laura set up the company and raised their family. They brought employment and opportunity to a deprived area and the family forged strong links with their employees and the communities that they lived in.

Where we focus our support

The trustees look to fund projects that are true to these values. Our focus is on supporting these main areas:

• Wales – Our roots are in Wales and it continues to be our main funding priority. We especially look to maintain strong links with communities in mid Wales.

• Arts – We are keen to fund good small-scale arts projects and we support organisations that provide a wide range of educational and creative activities, including applied arts and crafts, music, drama, textiles, photography, film and dance. We also fund arts education with a focus on helping promising young Welsh talent.

• Rural – We are especially interested in projects that open up opportunity in areas where it might not otherwise exist and that help alleviate the isolation and other hardships that can affect rural communities.

• Community – We are attracted to projects that bring people together, to help each other out and make their community a better, more joyful place. We support a range of community projects, including those focused on helping people who suffer from isolation and/or social disadvantage.

• Sustainability – is very important to us and we are interested in applications making a positive environmental impact in their community.

• Small Charities – The Foundation has an affinity with small charities, the ones set up by people who are driven by the desire to help better the lives of those around them.

For more information, visit The Ashley Family Foundation