The Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund has surpassed £4 million of donations to community projects and local charities.
The Community Trust Fund was set up in 1997 to give the airport a way of giving back to the community. It is managed by a committee of trustees from the area alongside representatives from the airport.
Manchester Airport pays £100,000 per year into its Community Trust Fund, with additional funding provided by other partners. Groups within 10 miles of the airport across Manchester, Tameside, Trafford, Stockport, Cheshire East and Cheshire West & Chester local authority areas are able to bid for up to £3,000 for initiatives with a clear and lasting community benefit. Applications are reviewed by the trustees, with 19 organisations in Greater Manchester and Cheshire benefitting from the latest round of grants.
Among those supported in the latest round of funding was Time Out Group: a charity that supports adults with autism and learning disabilities. Based in Handforth, the organisation has been awarded £1,598 towards furnishing its activity centre. Time Out Group’s Deputy Charity Manager, Anne-Louise Black, said:
“We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will pay for improvements to the facilities on offer in our activity centre. Having extra capacity will allow us to provide more people with opportunities to help them improve their confidence, independence, health and wellbeing and to provide support and respite for their family, parents and carers.”
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:
“Manchester Airport isn’t just the UK’s global gateway in the North – we’re a part of the community here in South Manchester and Cheshire and it’s really important that we’re able to give something back.
“The Community Trust Fund means our neighbours are able to benefit from the airport and share in its successes. Its longevity symbolises the strength of our commitment to the area and we are thrilled to have now passed £4 million of donations.”
Details on how to apply for a Community Trust Fund grant, and the full criteria, can be found via the Manchester Airport website. The deadline for applications to be considered at the next meeting is Saturday 3rd June.