New Board Member Appointed
We are pleased to welcome Andrea as a new Member of the Board.
This appointment supports our commitment to refreshing the Board over the life of the Fund, bringing in new skills, experience, and perspectives.
Andrea brings a strong local connection, having lived in Aberdare for most of her life and now residing in Hirwaun. She has over 23 years’ experience with Careers Wales and currently works as an Operational Development Manager, working with organisations across Wales to support young people in their career decisions.
Her work has given her valuable insight into local communities and their challenges, which she is passionate about addressing through the Fund. Andrea is committed to helping deliver lasting benefits, strengthen local resilience, and improve opportunities for residents across the Fund area.
We are delighted to welcome Andrea to the Board.
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.