History
The concept of the MDFET started at Coleg
Elidyr, a further education college for people with learning disabilities in
Wales. Coleg was Steiner based learning, teaching
life skills through doing, recognising that those with learning disabilities
need to do rather than just be told. At
that time it was the only college of its kind in the country.
Margaret Dobson had been a major
benefactor to the college. She wanted to
do something for people at the college and after they had left and for others
with similar needs.
Margaret Dobson agreed to set up a Trust,
with the main beneficiaries being people with learning disabilities to help
creative and viable, but mainly small local charities to cater for the needs of
people who needed opportunities like Coleg Elidyr for further educational
needs. The Trust would operate UK wide.
£500,000 was given by Margaret Dobson. There was also some fundraising done and
a sum of approx. £50,000 raised from
other
individuals.
A group of people connected to Coleg Elidyr agreed
to set up the Trust.
Following legal advice the Trust Deed
was set up with a wide remit to allow for future change.
However, it was always intended that the Trust would give to smaller charities, where its support would add most value. This is carried out through projects, although if a charity needed running costs to stay viable this might be considered.
The Trust achieved its 30th anniversary in 2020. Although the income from the endowment has reduced, the Trust continues to fund projects in the spirit of the original intentions of Margaret Dobson.