Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund Awards Grants to Local Charities and Community Groups
(IN SHORT) Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund has awarded over £34,000 to 20 local organizations, supporting projects that benefit the Greater Manchester and Cheshire areas. The grants will fund initiatives ranging from outdoor education to sports and community support services, continuing the airport’s commitment to supporting its surrounding communities.
(PRESS RELEASE) Manchester, UK, 2025-Feb-17 — /Travel PR News/ — Manchester Airport has announced the latest round of funding from its Community Trust Fund, pledging £34,090.75 to 20 local organizations across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The grants, which are designed to support community-focused projects within a 10-mile radius of the airport, will help fund initiatives ranging from outdoor education programs to sports clubs and community support services.
The grants will benefit a diverse range of local groups, including Nacro Outdoor Learning, a Wythenshawe-based educational center, which will receive £3,000 for solar panels to help power its innovative “Nature Bus” project. This eco-friendly initiative aims to convert an old school bus into an outdoor classroom and multi-use space for young people and the wider community. Youth worker Beth Craigen expressed her gratitude, saying, “The funding will be a huge help in supporting our goal of creating a sustainable, eco-friendly space for outdoor learning and nature conservation.”
Other recipients include Hyde Young People’s Enterprise in Tameside, which will use nearly £1,200 to create a welcoming outdoor picnic area for young people. Abdul Mumin from the organization commented, “This will transform our outdoor space, allowing us to host outdoor activities and foster a positive, engaging environment for the community.”
The 1st Mobberley Mallory Scout Group in Cheshire will receive £2,000 for camping and outdoor equipment. Group Lead Volunteer Viv Pike said, “This donation will allow us to replace damaged tents and ensure our scouts continue to enjoy the outdoors and develop vital skills in nature.”
Manchester’s Your Local Pantry, a foodbank and community hub, has been awarded almost £1,000 to purchase a new fridge freezer. Julie Nelson-Hall from the organization shared, “The new fridge will allow us to continue providing affordable food to local families and improve our service.”
Also benefitting from the fund is Friends of Woodheys Park in Trafford, which will receive £1,942.60 for two wheelchair-accessible picnic benches, enhancing the park’s accessibility. Local councillor Ulrich Savary explained, “This addition will make Woodheys Park more inclusive for all residents, supporting our goal of creating a space that everyone can enjoy.”
Wincham Parish Council in Cheshire has been granted £3,000 to help fund a new fitness and well-being trail, complete with outdoor exercise equipment. Project Manager Tony Psaila said, “This trail will improve the quality of life in Wincham by providing much-needed fitness facilities and promoting social inclusion.”
The Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund, which has distributed over £4 million since its inception in 1997, is managed by a committee of local trustees alongside representatives from the airport. The fund allocates up to £100,000 each year to support projects that have a clear and lasting benefit to communities within 10 miles of the airport.
Robert Pattison, Chair of the Community Trust Fund, commented: “We are thrilled to support such a wide range of fantastic causes through this latest round of funding. The Trust Fund is a key part of Manchester Airport’s commitment to being a good neighbour and ensuring that local communities benefit from the airport’s success.”
Applications for future grants are open, with the deadline for the next quarterly meeting set for 14th March 2025. For more information on how to apply, visit Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund.
Media Contacts:
Michael Murphy-Pyle
Head of Media
07565 178 364
Alex Nash
Press Officer
07565 178 245
Source: Manchester Airport
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