Gatwick Airport Community Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £250,000
• Success Rate: Highly competitive (100+ applications for annual funding)
• Decision Time: Applications reviewed after closing date (typically decisions within 2-3 months)
• Grant Range: £1,000 - £5,000 (occasionally larger)
• Geographic Focus: Parts of East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, and Kent
• Application Cycle: Annual (single funding round per year)

Contact Details

• Website: www.gact.org.uk
• Email: mail@gact.org.uk
• Phone: 07444 737518
• Charity Number: 1089683

For larger grant requests (over £5,000), applicants are encouraged to contact the Trust in advance via email.

Overview

Gatwick Airport Community Trust (GACT) has operated as an independent charity since 2002, established through legal arrangements between West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council, and Gatwick Airport Limited following publication of the airport's Sustainable Development Strategy. The Trust distributes approximately £250,000 annually to community projects in areas directly affected by Gatwick Airport operations. Funding is generated through passenger-linked contributions from Gatwick Airport Limited and revenue from noise fines imposed on airlines breaching UK Government noise limits. The Trust is governed by a board of eight volunteer trustees who apply strict criteria for grant distribution. In 2024, GACT supported over 100 community groups across its catchment area, demonstrating its significant reach and impact in the region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Standard Grants: £1,000 - £5,000 (annual application cycle with fixed deadline)
• Larger Grants: Occasionally considered for projects with significant community impact and long-term benefit (contact Trust before applying)
• Application Method: Annual funding round with online application via website
• Project Timing: Funded projects must take place between July 1st and May 31st of the following year

Priority Areas

GACT supports schemes targeted towards:

• Youth Development: Programs and activities for young people
• Arts Projects: Drama, music, and visual arts initiatives
• Sports Facilities: Equipment and facility improvements
• Environmental Improvement and Conservation: Green spaces and environmental projects
• Community Facilities: Improvements to spaces serving the local community
• Volunteering Initiatives: Programs that encourage and support volunteers
• Support for the Elderly: Services and facilities for older people
• Support for the Disabled: Accessibility improvements and specialized equipment

What They Don't Fund

The Trust explicitly excludes:

• Individual applicants (must be an organization)
• Projects outside the designated Area of Benefit
• Salaries, recurrent costs, and ongoing operational expenses
• Maintenance or deficit funding
• Repeat annual applications for similar projects
• Land or building purchases
• For-profit organizations
• Organizations with excess reserves
• Costs that should be covered by public bodies or statutory services
• Events taking place before July 1st in the application year or after May 31st the following year

Special Considerations:

• Schools/PTAs: May apply if projects exceed core educational activities normally funded by Local Education Authorities
• Parish/Town Councils: Must demonstrate clear community benefit, identify matching funding sources, and confirm ability to cover ongoing maintenance costs
• Training/Staffing: Start-up costs for new services may be considered; ongoing training or permanent positions typically aren't supported

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Governance and Leadership

The Trust is governed by a board of eight volunteer trustees who receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The trustees adopt strict criteria for grant distribution and meet to review applications following the annual deadline. The Trust operates with complete independence from Gatwick Airport Limited, despite receiving funding linked to airport operations.

The trustees' decision is final and binding on all applications.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Steps:

1. Verify Location: Check that your project falls within the Area of Benefit using the map on the GACT website
2. Check Eligibility: Review published guidelines to ensure your organization and project qualify
3. Complete Online Application: Submit via the online portal before the deadline with all required fields completed
4. Await Decision: Trustees review applications after the closing date; decisions are final and binding

Application Requirements:

• Applications must be submitted through the online portal on the GACT website
• All required fields must be completed
• Supporting documentation should demonstrate community benefit and effort to secure match funding

Annual Application Cycle:

• Single funding round per year
• Deadline typically falls in late March (check website for current year's deadline)

Decision Timeline

• Applications are reviewed by the board of trustees after the closing date
• Typical decision timeframe: 2-3 months from application deadline
• All applicants are informed of the outcome
• Successful applicants must submit end-of-grant reports by December 31st

Success Rates

GACT receives highly competitive application numbers, consistently supporting over 100 groups annually from the £250,000 available. The Trust notes that “demand for grants always exceeds the funds available,” indicating a competitive selection process. While exact success rates are not published, applicants should demonstrate strong community benefit, match funding efforts, and clear alignment with Trust priorities to maximize their chances.

Reapplication Policy

While the Trust's specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly documented, organizations should note that “repeat annual applications for similar projects” are explicitly not funded. This suggests that organizations should vary their project proposals if reapplying in subsequent years. Contact the Trust directly for clarification on reapplication timelines and requirements.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Match Funding: The Trust explicitly states that “determined efforts to raise money elsewhere or to demonstrate match funding will be helpful.” Applications showing little effort to secure alternative funding are unlikely to succeed.

Focus on Community Impact: Larger grants are considered for “projects benefiting significant populations with long-term impact.” Clearly articulate how many people will benefit and the lasting difference your project will make.

Previous Grant History Matters: The Trust notes that "prior grant recipients' history influences current decisions." Successful delivery of previous GACT grants strengthens future applications, while poor reporting or project delivery may harm prospects.

Geographic Targeting: Priority is given to “areas where people are directly affected by operations at Gatwick Airport.” Projects in communities closest to the airport or most impacted by airport operations may have an advantage.

Clear Project Timing: Ensure your project timeline aligns with the Trust's requirements (July 1st - May 31st) and that you can complete the project within a reasonable timeframe.

Recent Successful Projects (as examples of what GACT funds):

• East Park Riding for the Disabled Group: £3,500 for a larger horse for riders
• Tall Ships Youth Trust voyage: £3,000 enabling 10 disadvantaged young people from West Sussex to participate
• Cranleigh Parish Council: £2,000 for a multi-play unit at Snoxhall Fields Recreation Ground
• Boxing club: £5,000 for new boxing equipment
• Dementia care facility: £2,000 for an OM Interactive Technology 'Magic Table' for social engagement
• Stripey Stork: £5,000 (2024)
• Jigsaw South East: £3,000 (2024)
• Homeless life-skills workshop: £20,000 spread over two years for building transformation

Use Appropriate Language: Focus on “community benefit,” “disadvantaged groups,” “long-term impact,” and “match funding” in your application to align with the Trust's priorities and terminology.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Annual opportunity only - There is one funding round per year, so timing is critical; missing the deadline means waiting a full year
• Match funding is essential - Demonstrate significant efforts to raise funds elsewhere; applications showing minimal fundraising efforts are unlikely to succeed
• Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable - Verify your location on the Area of Benefit map before investing time in an application
• Project timing must align - Ensure your project can take place between July 1st and May 31st the following year
• Previous performance counts - If you've received GACT funding before, ensure excellent reporting and project delivery to strengthen future applications
• Larger grants require pre-application contact - For grants exceeding £5,000, email the Trust at mail@gact.org.uk before applying to discuss feasibility
• Community impact over organizational need - Frame your application around the number of beneficiaries and lasting community benefit rather than organizational requirements
• End-of-grant reporting is mandatory - Failure to submit reports by December 31st will negatively affect future applications

References

• Gatwick Airport Community Trust Official Website -
• GACT Application Process & How to Apply -
• GACT About The Trust -
• GACT Area of Benefit -
• GACT Featured Grants -
• Charity Commission Register - GATWICK AIRPORT COMMUNITY TRUST (1089683) -
• Resource Centre - Gatwick Airport Community Trust -
• Crawley Community Action - GACT Funding Information -
• Travel And Tour World - Funding Boost Article -
• London Gatwick Media Centre - Community Funding Announcements -