Completely bilingual in Welsh and English (topsy‐turvey style), compiled in Liverpool, clearly printed in two‐column format on good quality paper in Norfolk, this new reference work is published in London. Publication, by the research organization Directory of Social Change, is “in partnership with Fforwm Cyllidwyr Cymru/Wales Funders Forum”, a body for which no postal address is given, merely a Web site www.walesfunders.org.uk Updating is intended every two years.
The book aims “to give an insight into the activities of the voluntary sector in Wales” and to indicate sources of funding. It does not cover sources of funding directly to individuals. Disarmingly, the compilers admit: “(W)e are aware that some of the information in this guide is incomplete and will become out of date. We are equally sure we have missed some relevant charities and other sources of funding in Wales” (p. 2). The modesty and realism of this admission are contradicted by the blurb “one comprehensive, bilingual, easy‐to‐use guide” and by the Foreword enthusiastically and hyperbolically authored (with portrait) by Rhodri Morgan, First Minister, National Assembly for Wales. He states “[I]ts comprehensive coverage of trusts and other givers in Wales, with independent analysis and commentary, will also provide greater transparency of funding patterns in Wales” (p. vii). (The italics are by the reviewer).
The sources of funding listed are grant‐making trusts (90), companies (36), National Lottery distribution boards (five), the National Assembly for Wales, the European Union and schemes managed by the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action. The data provided are lucidly outlined and explained and will undoubtedly save time otherwise expended on individual Web sites where much of the book's content is readily available. The many voluntary service councils within Wales publish newsletters giving information of activity and available grants. Flintshire Local Voluntary Council's newsletter Voluntary Voice/Llais Gwirfoddol (4) December 2003 lists Yapp Charitable Trust, Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, Community First Trust Fund, Cymorth Fund, Tesco Charity Trust and the Tudor Trust. An accompanying brochure publicises Penderels Trust. Of these seven funding sources, only Tudor Trust is listed in The Welsh Funding Guide. Similar shortfalls are found when further comparison is made with the newsletters and Web sites of other voluntary sector councils. Therefore, while undeniably useful as a “one stop shop” and time‐saver, the comprehensiveness claim of the blurb and Foreword cannot be sustained. Although reasonably priced it is not a substitute for frequently updated printed publications or freely available online information.
