London Gatwick calls for groups in Kent, Surrey and Sussex to apply for £250,000 of funding
- The Gatwick Airport Community Trust supports schemes that benefit diverse sections of the local community and aims to make a positive contribution to the quality of life of the communities affected by the airport and its continuing growth
- A total of £250,000 is available to projects across Kent, Surrey and Sussex
The Gatwick Airport Community Trust is calling on local groups and projects throughout Kent, Surrey and Sussex to apply for grant funding.
There is a total of £250,000 of funding available across the area of benefit, which includes parts of West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey and Kent - the application process is now open with a deadline of 31 March 2024 to apply.
Last year around £200,000 went to more than 100 groups and charities across the region which was used to carry out essential work during the cost-of-living crisis.
Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager at London Gatwick said: “The cost-of-living crisis continues in the UK and we know that our funding of the Gatwick Airport Community Trust last year made a real difference to grassroots organisations, charities and voluntary projects around the region.
“We encourage groups to apply for funding this year at a time when they are under financial pressure.
“The trust has been helping groups across the region since 2002 and the trustees are looking forward to making a difference in 2024 when they consider this year’s applications.”
The trustees adopt strict criteria when choosing where to channel funds, focusing on areas near London Gatwick. Beneficiaries must live within the trust’s area of benefit - the map is available to view here: https://gact.org.uk/area-of-benefit/
The Gatwick Airport Community Trust encourages and supports schemes that benefit diverse sections of the local community, and are targeted towards the development of young people, the arts, sporting facilities, environmental improvement and conservation, enhancements to community facilities, volunteering, the elderly and the disabled.
Amongst the recipients last year was Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation (BHAFC) (pictured), which received £1,800 to support the delivery of the Horsham inclusive weekly football sessions to individuals with a disability.
Luke Frost, Disability Coordinator at BHAFC Foundation said: “It's been great to see players at the Horsham Inclusive sessions gain confidence playing football and developing social skills from their interactions with the other participants in a fun and safe environment. Thank you to the Gatwick Airport Community Trust.”
Another recipient was Different Strokes in Kent, which received £330 in funding.
Lisa Beaumont, Coordinator and Founder at Different Strokes said: “The much-needed funding went towards helping stroke survivors’ essential recovery and rehabilitation needs, including Patrick Pope, former celebrity photographer, who has made tremendous progress. The financial support plays a crucial role in helping individuals like Patrick to reclaim and rebuild their lives following such challenging personal circumstances.”
The Gatwick Airport Community Trust was originally set up in 2002 as part of the legal arrangements between West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council and London Gatwick following publication of the airport’s Sustainable Development Strategy.
It aims to make a positive contribution to the quality of life of the communities affected by the airport and its continuing growth.
This year applications will only be accepted online and all information on how to apply is on the website.
For more information about the Gatwick Airport Community Trust, visit: https://www.gact.org.uk/.
London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and is a vital piece of national infrastructure that helps drive both the regional and national economy. More than 40 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 45 long-haul destinations. The airport is focused on rebuilding and growing sustainably in the long term. It has ambitious plans to be a net zero airport by 2030 and increase capacity by bringing its Northern runway into routine use. Vinci Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99% interest.
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GACT is an independent charity that has been in operation since 2002 as part of the legal arrangements between West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council and London Gatwick following publication of the airport’s Sustainable Development Strategy.
It awards grants annually for deserving projects within the area of benefit, which covers parts of East and West Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
The demand for grants always exceeds the funds available, and the normal level of grants is from £1,000 to £5,000. Occasionally larger amounts may be considered if they will benefit a significant number of people and will make a valuable difference in the longer term.
Applicants should seek advice from the Community Trust BEFORE applying for a larger grant.
London Gatwick funds GACT, with the annual amount linked to passenger numbers.
The purpose of setting up GACT was to ensure that, as the airport continued to grow, funds generated by the existence of the airport should be made available to a board of independent trustees, to make a positive contribution to the quality of life of the communities affected by the airport and its continuing growth.
Visit: https://www.gact.org.uk/.
