Friday, August 16, 2024
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In 2023, the Gatwick Airport Community Trust allocated £250,000 to assist various initiatives across West Sussex, East Sussex, parts of Surrey, and Kent. Funded solely by London Gatwick, the trust has been a cornerstone for local charities and organizations for over twenty years, supporting over 100 groups this year alone.
London Gatwick is currently inviting community groups throughout these areas to seek financial aid through The London Gatwick Foundation Fund. Application deadlines are set for 6 September in Sussex, 27 September in Kent, and 2 September for preliminary interest in Surrey.
Melanie Wrightson, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, London Gatwick, said: “The ongoing support offered by the Gatwick Airport Community Trust is yielding tangible benefits for grassroots organisations, charities and voluntary initiatives throughout Kent, Surrey and Sussex, which need financial donations to continue their good work.
“Since its establishment, the Trust has been a pillar of strength for local groups. London Gatwick remains as committed as ever to contributing to the wider community’s welfare.”
The Gatwick Airport Community Trust is dedicated to enhancing various aspects of community life by funding programs that focus on youth growth, cultural enrichment through the arts, sports development, environmental conservation, community infrastructure enhancements, support for volunteerism, and assistance to the elderly and disabled.
One of the recipients, the City Gate Community Project, which operates FareShare Sussex & Surrey, received a grant of £5,000. This charity plays a crucial role in addressing food poverty in the region.
Dan Slatter, CEO, FareShare Sussex & Surrey said: “We are really grateful to the Gatwick Airport Community Trust for its recent donation.
“As a charity, we are reliant on funds such as these to be able to continue feeding 16,560 people every week.
“These remain challenging times for so many in our communities around Gatwick. This will enable us to extend our commercial chiller at our Brighton depot, helping us become more efficient with our deliveries and enabling us to meet the increased demand for our services.”
Additional recipients of the Gatwick Airport Community Trust grants include Stripey Stork and Jigsaw South East, which were awarded £5,000 and £3,000 respectively. Other beneficiaries include Mycarematters 2020 with £2,500, Sal’s Shoes also receiving £2,500, The Launchpad Collective granted £2,000, and Family Support Work with £1,600. Further funding was allocated to Chestnut Tree House (£1,538), Tall Ships Youth Trust (£1,500), Surrey Care Trust (£1,500), St Catherine’s Hospice (£1,438), Susy Radio Ltd (£1,260), and Lingfield Marathon Minibus at £750.
Established in 2002 as a component of agreements between West Sussex County Council, Crawley Borough Council, and London Gatwick, the Gatwick Airport Community Trust emerged from the airport’s Sustainable Development Strategy. Its mission is to enhance the living standards within communities impacted by the airport’s operations.
The next application period for the Gatwick Airport Community Trust opens on 1 November 2024 and will conclude on 31 March 2025.
