Family owned Welsh butter producer, Castle Dairies, is pleased to announce that as of this year, 2% of its profits will be allocated to Community Foundation Wales.

The profits will go into a fund from which disadvantaged young students, who have excelled in STEM subjects and who are not economically able to support themselves through further study, can apply for a bursary to help cover university fees. Enhancing and improving their educational and career aspirations.

Community Foundation Wales, established in 1999, awards more than £2.6m in grants each year to charities and community groups across Wales.

Katy Hales, Manager, Donor Advised Giving at Community Foundation Wales, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be working with Castle Dairies to help them achieve their charitable aims. Opening a fund with Community Foundation Wales is not just about fulfilling a corporate social responsibility agenda, or simply a tick box exercise to reassure shareholders. It is a way of demonstrating that Castle Dairies cares about Wales and wants to help disadvantaged people, who are struggling now more than ever, in a tangible way.

We look forward to supporting Castle Dairies to fund STEM students in Caerphilly, who might not otherwise have the chance to fulfil their potential.”

Castle Dairies Managing Director Nigel Lloyd said:

‘’I hope this initiative will be joined by other private companies in Wales who would like to invest in our younger people’s future.  I have been struck by how much of the burden of this pandemic has fallen on the shoulders of our younger members of society. The pandemic has exposed a gap between those children lucky enough to live in well-resourced households and those who struggle to gain access to some of the resources that are essential to progressing their educational journey.  Castle Dairies wants to help support those young adults who despite significant hurdles choose to progress into higher education. We are proud to be working with Community Foundation Wales to provide financial assistance to those who qualify and help assist them through their further education.

It is our hope that these individuals can go on to progress their own careers and make a positive contribution to both their local communities and the broader society at large.’’

The fund is due to open in the summer, to coincide with exam results. To find out more about Community Foundation Wales please visit communityfoundationwales.org.uk