Community Foundation in Wales, Kathryn Hall

“We’re an independent charity (part of a UK-wide national network) that distributes grants to community groups and voluntary organisations in Wales. Part of our work is to encourage people to give money and to direct these funds to smaller charities – not just the big household names.

A good example is the £5,000 we secured through the Sport Relief grant scheme last year for a five day Whitsun holiday skateboard event at Rhydycar Leisure Centre in Merthyr Tydfil. This was a unique opportunity for young people (many of whom are socially and economically disadvantaged) to watch professional displays and benefit from expert tuition. The positive feedback from this event has led to a permanent skate park being built in the area too.

I can honestly say that we’ve had great support from the Charity Commission since our registration in 1999. It’s a real partnership and their involvement definitely gives the public confidence in our work. We have a particularly strong relationship with the Commission’s teams in Wales – they’ve been brilliant in our recent project to encourage local authorities to review and improve their management of Charitable Trusts. They’ve also helped us to approach local authorities about transferring trusteeship to us in certain circumstances (especially in cases of conflict of interest or dormant funds).

With the Charity Commission onboard, we’re able to release more funds and get the very most out of the money that’s donated.”