Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund

Charity Number: 1071703

Annual Expenditure: £0.1M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £103,024 (2023/24)
  • Success Rate: 65% (2023/24)
  • Decision Time: 7-10 working days after quarterly trustee meetings
  • Grant Range: Up to £3,000 (average award £1,600 in 2022/23)
  • Geographic Focus: 10-mile radius of Manchester Airport (Greater Manchester and Cheshire)

Contact Details

  • Website: www.manchesterairport.co.uk/communitytrustfund
  • Email: trust.fund@manairport.co.uk (also TrustFund@manairport.co.uk)
  • Phone: 0161 489 3853 (also 0161 489 5281 and 07958 876353)
  • Online Application Portal: magcommunityfunds.smapply.org

Overview

The Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund was established in 1997 as a registered charity (1071703) to promote, enhance, improve and protect both the natural and built environment in communities affected by Manchester Airport operations. Since its founding, the fund has distributed over £4 million in grants to local organizations. Each year, Manchester Airports Group contributes £100,000 to the fund, supplemented by fines levied on aircraft that breach noise limits. The fund is governed by eight trustees representing Manchester Airport and six local authorities (Manchester, Stockport, Trafford, Tameside, Cheshire East, and Cheshire West Council). In 2023/24, the fund awarded 70 grants totaling £103,023.59 from 108 applications, representing a 65% success rate. The fund focuses on tangible items that provide lasting benefit to local communities within the airport's 10-mile radius.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Community Grants: Up to £3,000 per application
  • Average award: £1,600 (2022/23)
  • Rolling applications considered quarterly
  • Trustees meet in January, April, July, and October
  • Deadline typically one month before each meeting

Priority Areas

  • Environmental Projects: Improving, enhancing, protecting and conserving the natural and built environment
  • Heritage Conservation: Projects that preserve local heritage
  • Community Equipment: Tangible items of lasting benefit such as:
  • Equipment (white goods, play equipment, furniture)
  • Items for sports and recreation facilities
  • Assistive technology and accessibility equipment
  • Specialized equipment for community venues
  • Charitable Activities: Projects that carry out positive work in the community
  • Universal Benefit: Projects that benefit all members of the community regardless of race, gender, or religion

What They Don't Fund

  • Running Costs: Heat, light, salaries, fees, subscriptions, coaching fees, or uniform kits
  • General Maintenance: Decorating, repairs to windows, roofs, or electrical work
  • Retrospective Funding: Cannot reimburse costs for projects already completed
  • Individual Applications: Only established groups/charities with clear financial records
  • Commercial Organizations: Must be 'Not for Profit' status
  • Outside Geographic Area: Must be within 10-mile radius of the airport
  • Short-term Leases: For building projects, organizations must own the building or have at least 5 years remaining on the lease
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Governance and Leadership

The Community Trust Fund is governed by eight trustees who have been appointed by the local authorities and Manchester Airport. The board includes two members from the Airport Company Board and six representatives from the local authorities of Manchester, Stockport, Trafford, Cheshire East, Cheshire West, and Tameside.

Chair: Robert Pattison has stated: "The Community Trust Fund forms a big part of Manchester Airport's commitment to be a good neighbour, and ensure communities on our doorstep share in the airport's success.“ He has also emphasized: ”We're proud to have been able to support such a diverse range of applications made to the Community Trust Fund and we've already supported more than 30 good causes so far this year, reaching thousands of local people."

Other Known Trustees: Cllr John Taylor (Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund trustee)

No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the online application portal at magcommunityfunds.smapply.org. The application process requires:

Required Documentation:

  • Completed online application form
  • Recent bank statement showing balance, account number, sort code, and account holder's name
  • At least 2 quotes for the items requested
  • Clear financial information including income and expenditure for the organization
  • For building projects: proof of ownership or lease with minimum 5 years remaining

Application Guidelines:

  • Read the online process guidelines before applying
  • Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available on the website
  • Applications can also be accessed via www.manchesterairport.co.uk/community

Decision Timeline

  • Trustee Meetings: Quarterly (January, April, July, October)
  • Application Deadline: Typically one month before each trustee meeting
  • Decision Time: 7-10 working days after the meeting date
  • Notification Method: Email notification of success or rejection

Example Timeline: For the October 2025 meeting, the application deadline was September 6, 2025, with trustees meeting on October 6, 2025.

Success Rates

In 2023/24, the fund received 108 applications and awarded 70 grants, representing a 65% success rate. This data was from meetings in April, July, and October 2023, and January 2024.

Application Success Factors

Demonstrate Lasting Benefit: The fund prioritizes “tangible items of lasting benefit to the community.” Successful applications clearly articulate how the funded item will provide ongoing value beyond the immediate project period.

Show Evidence of Sustainability: Trustees like to see that groups are active in gaining funds from other sources, not solely reliant on this grant. Demonstrate your organization's financial sustainability and fundraising efforts.

Focus on Tangible Items: Applications for physical equipment, furniture, and other concrete items are strongly preferred over running costs or general maintenance. Recent successful grants include:

  • Jump Space (Stockport): £3,000 for an interactive floor projector for disabled people
  • Benchill Community Centre: £3,000 for a sensory room
  • 1st Dane Bank Scouts: £1,290 for tents
  • Brookfield Quids In: £1,116 for an industrial fridge
  • The Grafton Centre (Hyde): £2,697 for an indoor bowling mat

Complete Documentation is Critical: Applications will not be considered without all required supporting documents (bank statement, two quotes, financial records). If documentation is incomplete, the process will be delayed beyond the standard 7-10 days.

Understand Geographic Distribution: In 2023/24, grants were distributed across: Trafford (£35,655.40), Tameside (£34,692.77), Stockport (£12,793.94), Manchester (£8,734.13), Cheshire East (£7,892.35), Cheshire West & Chester (£1,600.00). This shows the fund actively supports organizations across all areas within the 10-mile radius.

Be Realistic About Grant Amounts: While the maximum grant is £3,000, the average award in 2022/23 was £1,600. The fund has limited resources and may choose to fund only part of a project or support some items from a wish list rather than the full request.

Demonstrate Universal Community Benefit: Projects must benefit all members of the community regardless of race, gender, or religion. Clearly articulate how your project is inclusive and accessible.

Avoid Retrospective Requests: The fund cannot reimburse costs for projects that have already taken place. Ensure your timeline shows the grant will be used for future purchases.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply for equipment, not running costs: The fund exclusively supports tangible items like equipment and furniture, not operational expenses like salaries or utilities
  • Complete documentation is non-negotiable: Have bank statements, two quotes, and financial records ready before starting the application
  • 65% success rate is encouraging: With over half of applications funded, well-prepared applications have strong chances
  • Average grant is £1,600, not £3,000: Budget realistically and prioritize your most essential items in case of partial funding
  • Quick turnaround after meetings: Once trustees meet, decisions come within 7-10 working days, making this a relatively fast funder
  • Show you're fundraising elsewhere: Trustees favor organizations that demonstrate broader fundraising efforts and financial sustainability
  • Geographic eligibility is strict: Confirm you're within the 10-mile radius before applying—this is a firm requirement
  • Building projects need long leases: For any building-related items, you must own the property or have 5+ years on the lease

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