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16 organisations in Greater Manchester and Cheshire have benefited from over £25,000 of grants awarded by the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund.
The trust is now in its 25th year, and has donated a total of over £3.5 million to local causes within 10 miles of the airport through grants of up to £3,000. Manchester Airport contributes £100,000 per year to the fund, which is also topped up by fines levied on airlines for breaching noise restrictions.
The latest funding round has seen 16 organisations benefit, securing funding for equipment for diverse causes including local parks and public places, sports clubs and scout groups.
Webb Lane Allotments was among the six organisations in Stockport to receive funding, and were offered £2,994 for the installation of a new, secure tool shed. Other beneficiaries in the borough were Friends of Darley Street, Bramhall in Bloom, Heaton Norris Friends of the Park, 1st Heaton Vale Sea Scouts Group, and Stockport NWA. Webb Lane Allotments’ Secretary, Mike Rodgers said:
“We are very grateful for this funding. Our allotment is in the midst of a major programme of refurbishment, which will include having accessible toilets installed and constructing new facilities, and this tool storage container is the final piece in the jigsaw for us.”
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:
“The Community Trust Fund has made an enormous contribution to our neighbouring communities since it was first conceived 25 years ago, and the range of donations agreed at the latest meeting is testament to that.
“If you are involved in a community initiative or not-for-profit group, based within 10 miles of the airport, you can ask for up to £3,000 towards equipment or costed projects, and we would love to hear from you ahead of the trustees’ next meeting in October.”
The Community Trust Fund is overseen by the airport and managed by a committee of independent trustees, formed of councillors from the six local authority areas which fall within the fund’s catchment area. It provides cash either as a contribution to, or to meet the full cost of, not-for-profit initiatives.
Details on how to apply for a Community Trust Fund grant, and the full criteria, can be found on the Manchester Airport website. The deadline for applications to be considered at October’s meeting is Friday 5th September.