CAE, a Swansea-based charity, has been awarded a £75,000 grant by Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales. This crucial funding will enable the charity to strengthen its support services for refugees and asylum seekers in South Wales, helping them overcome systemic barriers and achieve economic independence.
Lloyds Bank Foundation announced the funding as part of its programme for specialist community organisations across England and Wales, totalling £6.2 million.
Deeply rooted in the communities they serve, specialist charities like CAE build trusted relationships that go beyond short-term interventions – they listen without judgement, advocate for those who go unheard, and provide personalised, long-term support that helps people regain stability and confidence and move forward with hope. From securing safe housing and accessing essential services to restoring family connections and a sense of self-worth, these organisations are a lifeline – playing a critical role in creating lasting, positive change in individual lives, communities and society.
The grant will enable CAE to develop in the following areas:
-
Expanded frontline services – providing responsive, practical support to individuals and families navigating hardship, particularly during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis
-
Strengthening internal systems and staff capacity to meet rising demand, and continue providing high-quality, people-centred services
-
Build stronger, more strategic relationships with local organisations, institutions and grassroots partners to influence long-term change – ensuring the voices and needs of marginalised communities shape policy, systems, and local provision
Kim Mamhende, Chief of Staff at The Centre for African Entrepreneurship (CAE), said: “At The CAE, we work to break down systemic barriers and create real, lasting opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees, helping them on a path of economic empowerment here in Wales. This funding from Lloyds Bank Foundation enables us to scale our holistic support provision as well as our advocacy and influencing efforts to continue building a Wales where everyone, regardless of their background, has the chance to thrive. We’re deeply grateful for the Foundation’s trust in our mission and for standing with us in creating a more inclusive and equitable future.”
Rachel Marshall, Regional Manager for Wales at Lloyds Bank Foundation, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to support specialist charities working across Wales. Organisations like CAE play a vital role in their community, offering life-changing support to people facing some of the toughest challenges and circumstances. Their deep local knowledge, dedication, and strong ties to those they serve are key to building stronger, more resilient communities. Lasting change begins at the grassroots, and we’re committed to helping these organisations grow and thrive so they can continue making a real difference across Wales.”
“We’re incredibly proud to support specialist charities working across Wales. Organisations like CAE play a vital role in their community, offering life-changing support to people facing some of the toughest challenges and circumstances. Their deep local knowledge, dedication, and strong ties to those they serve are key to building stronger, more resilient communities. Lasting change begins at the grassroots, and we’re committed to helping these organisations grow and thrive so they can continue making a real difference across Wales.”
Matt Hyde, CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: “Community organisations addressing very complex issues are often able to make an impact where others can’t, due to their size, locality and deep understanding. Unrestricted funding, over a longer period, enables these charities to provide not just emergency help but also continue to walk alongside people going through some of life’s toughest challenges— whether it’s fleeing domestic abuse, leaving care, or rebuilding life after prison. With the investment we provide, these small community organisations can offer long-term support that builds trust, restores dignity, and give people the chance to move forward with hope.”
