Grassroots organisations helping communities through the coronavirus lockdown can apply for grants through a special fund set up by Manchester Airport.
The airport’s Community Trust Fund already supports scores of local groups every year through its grants.
In response to the ongoing impact the Covd-19 pandemic is having, its trustees have agreed its next round of funding will be dedicated to organisations helping communities through the crisis.
Charities or not for profit organisations within a broadly 10-mile radius of the airport can lodge applications from today until a deadline of May 26.
A special meeting will be held on May 29 to consider requests and payment made to successful applications the following week, to ensure their efforts can be supported at the earliest opportunity.
The Community Trust Fund will continue to operate as normal throughout the year, but will prioritise:
· Organisations supporting people who are at high risk from Covid-19
· Organisations supporting communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges as a direct result of Covid-19
· Organisations with high potential to support communities with the direct and indirect impact of Covid-19
The Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund’s Trustees are made up of elected representatives from the communities it serves, including Cheshire East, Manchester, Tameside, Stockport, Trafford, and Cheshire West.
The Airport contributes £100,000 a year to the fund, as well as the proceeds of any aircraft noise fines.
John Twigg, who chairs the trustees, said: “Over the years, the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund has given more than £3m to support hundreds of projects that have helped improve the lives of our neighbours.
“That will continue to be the case and is all part of the airport’s wider commitment to enriching the communities it serves through support and volunteering.
“The coronavirus pandemic is deeply impacting those very same communities as well as being a major challenge for aviation.
“Therefore, the trustees wanted to find a way to ensure the Community Trust Fund could complement the work that MAG is doing and provide a helping hand to those who are stepping up to support those who most need it at this challenging time.”
Maximum grants during this special round of funding will be £3,000. Details on how to apply and the full criteria can be found on the community trust fund’s website.