Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund supports local charities and community groups

Credit: Manchester Airport

More than a dozen charities and not-for-profit groups across Greater Manchester and Cheshire have received significant support from Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund, following the latest round of funding. The Trust Fund, established in 1997, annually distributes up to £100,000 to organisations within a 10-mile radius of the airport, covering areas such as Manchester, Tameside, Trafford, Stockport and Cheshire.

At the most recent meeting, nearly £29,000 had been allocated among 14 different groups, each receiving up to £3,000 to support projects with lasting community benefits.

One beneficiary, Love Urmston, received over £2,300 to enhance the town’s Christmas lights display. Carol Chappell, Fundraising Lead, expressed gratitude, highlighting the importance of the donation in spreading festive cheer across more areas of Urmston.

Paddlers For Life, a Dragon Boat racing team composed of cancer survivors, secured over £1,600 to purchase essential new equipment. Ann Johnson, a team member, emphasised how the funds would help improve their regular exercise sessions, especially during winter.

In Cheshire, Lostock Gralam Parish Council has been granted nearly £800 to install new recycling bins in a local park. Parish Clerk Lyndsey Sandison noted the council’s commitment to environmental projects, underscoring the significance of the grant in promoting sustainability within the community.

In addition, Friends of Styal Station will use its grant of more than £2,500 to introduce new seating and green spaces at the railway station. Volunteer Gemma Nichols shared that the project would enhance the station’s environment, providing both a relaxing space for travellers and a habitat for local wildlife.

Meanwhile, Crystal Chords, a women’s barbershop chorus in Stockport, will benefit from nearly £3,000 to purchase a modular riser for stage performances. Volunteer Carrie Morrow explained that the new riser would be crucial for rehearsals and performances, helping the chorus continue to thrive.

Robert Pattison, Chair of the Community Trust Fund, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to support such a wide array of good causes with this latest round of donations. There are so many fantastic community-led projects across Greater Manchester and Cheshire which often don’t get the recognition they deserve, but we’re proud to support them with the funding they need to serve their local communities, via the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund.”

Details about the organisations that received grants and their funded projects can be found on the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund’s website.