Manchester Airport’s Community Trust pledges more than £30,000 in latest funding round

More than a dozen charities and community groups are to receive funding from Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund following its latest quarterly meeting.

The fund was established in 1997 and since donated more than £4 million to charities and community groups and projects within a 10 mile radius of the airport. More than £30,000 was pledged in the latest round of donations, with almost £91,000 distributed in 2026 so far.

Among organisations in Stockport to secure funding was Heaton Chapel’s KNDS Fairey Brass Band. The band was granted £2,995 for the purchase of a new flugelhorn (pictured with flugel soloist, Pete Shaw) – a type of brass instrument similar to a trumpet with its origins in Alpine regions of Germany and Austria.

Nigel Beasley, chair of the band, said:

“Everyone at the KNDS Band would like to express our sincere gratitude for the generous grant awarded by the Manchester Airport Community Fund. The flugelhorn is a vital addition to our ensemble.

“The cost of replacing high-quality instruments is a significant financial challenge for any band. Having this new instrument will be a fantastic boost as we head toward both the British Open and the National Brass Band Championships.”

Other groups and organisations in Stockport to receive funding included Capture & Calm Walks CIC, Stockport Volunteer Armoury, Friends of Bramhall Hall & Park, Coming Home Project, and Friends of Rose Vale Park Community Group.

Helen McNabb, Trustee of the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund, said:

“Manchester Airport is proud to serve the people of Greater Manchester and Cheshire – not just by connecting people to the places they want to travel to, but also by supporting good causes, not-for-profits organisations and grassroots campaigns in our neighbouring communities. Our Community Trust Fund reaches dozens of these groups every year and the impact of these donations collectively is huge. It’s great to be able to fund such a diverse range of applications as we’ve seen this quarter.”

The Trust Fund is overseen by a board of trustees drawn from the airport and local councils in neighbouring communities, with applications for up to £3,000 considered on a quarterly basis.

Applications must demonstrate a clear and lasting community benefit, seeking funding for tangible items of longstanding value. Details on how to apply for a Community Trust Fund grant, and the full criteria, can be found on the Manchester Airport website.