Background
Sir Bernard Ashley dies
Sir Bernard Ashley, co-founder with his wife, Laura, of the fashion and textiles empire, Laura Ashley plc, has died peacefully at his home in Mid Wales at the age of 82.
His daughter, Jane Ashley, Director of the Laura Ashley Foundation, comments:
My father achieved all he set out to achieve in life. He was very creative, as well as being a good businessman. In this he inspired and encouraged us. He loved Wales and the Welsh people. He had a great sense of humour; he was a lot of fun. Tellingly, his favourite song was Frank Sinatra's version "My Way."
The Laura Ashley Foundation was set up in 1986, in memory of Laura Ashley, the designer, who died the year before. The Ashley family are actively involved in the day to day running of the Foundation.
The LAF is constantly reviewing funding policies. For this reason, we tend to be re-active grant givers, rather than pro-active. Very few unsolicited applications receive funding. To avoid disappointment, we suggest checking before applying.
Please note, The Foundation does not fund individuals or business ventures.
One of our priorities areas is Powys, Wales and as an outline of our application process we ask that all prospective applicants submit to us a one page summary of their request (via email or post). This should contain:
- an outline of the group who are applying for the funds (legal status, how long you've been going etc)
- an outline of the specific project for which you require funding
- finally, a breakdown of the financial element of the total project costs noting specifically how much you would be requesting from the Foundation, any match funding you have in place or intend to have in place
Upon receipt, funding requests go through to a stage one approval process. You should get a response within approx 4-6 weeks as to whether or not you have been successful at this stage. If you have been successful at stage one then we shall forward a full application form for you to complete in readiness for consideration at the next available Trustee meeting. Trustee meetings are usually held approx every quarter (approx Oct, Dec/Jan, Mar/April, June/July).
Please note, the office is usually open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.