The Rhondda Trust is a brand new charity aimed at improving skills and education in the Rhondda.
When Burberry closed its factory in Treorchy last year, the GMB led campaign successfully secured an investment of £150,000 a year for ten years to further the education and training opportunities of people in the Rhondda. The total will amount to £1.5 million.
The Rhondda Trust has been founded to receive this money from Burberry and to make grants to individuals and organisations in the Rhondda.
Local charities and community groups can apply for this funding, as can national organisations for work carried out in the Rhondda.
Individuals who live in the two Rhondda Valleys can also apply for funds. In particular, the Rhondda Trust is looking to fund new projects that will make a lasting difference to the Rhondda.
Local MP Chris Bryant, who is also a trustee of the new Trust said: "Burberry should never have closed the factory in Treorchy, but with this £1.5 million over ten years I hope we can really make a difference.
"Whether it's a young person wanting to take a gap year exploring ice floes in Patagonia or a youth group looking for new equipment or an older person wanting to retrain for a new job - I hope we'll be able to help. With the first two instalments already in hand we have more than £300,000 to spend, so I hope people come forward with good ideas as soon as possible."
Rhondda Assembly Member and fellow trustee Leighton Andrews added: "This Trust will make a difference in the Rhondda. It’s a dedicated fund for the people of the Rhondda, won by the hard work of the GMB and its members at Burberry. We hope that a wide range of individuals and organisations will apply."
