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London Gatwick appeals for Surrey charities to apply for funding

5th November 2024

Local charities and support organisations in Surrey are urged to apply for funding from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust which is now open again for applications. 

Around £250,000 will be made available to worthy causes across parts of Surrey and Kent, as well as West and East Sussex.

The deadline for community groups to apply to the Trust, which has been running for more than 20 years, is 31 March 2025.

Last year The Gatwick Airport Community Trust, which is funded exclusively by London Gatwick, provided much-needed support for more than 100 charities and groups across the region.

Funding available to community groups will be linked to passenger numbers during 2024 and the final amount available will be confirmed in 2025.

Melanie Wrightson, stakeholder engagement manager at London Gatwick, said: “We’re looking forward to supporting local groups and charities again as we open our annual appeal for good causes throughout Kent, Surrey and Sussex to apply for funding from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust.

“Since the Trust was established more than two decades ago it has been helping local groups to provide important services and we can’t wait to help more community groups next year too.”

The Gatwick Airport Community Trust supports a range of initiatives designed to enrich different facets of local communities. The trust prioritises groups which nurture youth development, champion the arts, bolster sports facilities, foster environmental improvements, enhance community infrastructure, advocate for volunteering and offer aid to the elderly and disabled.

One of the previous recipients was Warren Clark Golfing Dreams in Tandridge which received £7,000 to support its work delivering golf to disabled and disadvantaged, individuals and groups.

Dawn Osborn, from Warren Clark Golfing Dreams said: “The grant was easy to apply for with quick responses and we would encourage any other charities and community groups to apply.

“Thank you so much to the Gatwick Airport Community Trust and we really appreciate your support.”

Another previous recipient was East Park Riding for the Disabled Group, which runs groups in Tandridge and Crawley, received £3,500 which it put towards buying a larger horse for its riders.

East Park Riding for the Disabled Group Trustees chairman James Baxter said: “Horses with the right temperament to carry our vulnerable riders are hard to find but after much searching, we were able to buy a 12-year-old Welsh cross piebald gelding, with lovely manners, known as Alfie, who is settling in well ready for the Autumn term. 

“The purchase of Alfie means that we can provide more young adults with the opportunity to ride which provides therapy, fitness, skills development, and opportunities for achievement which they do not normally have.”

Another recipient was South Nutfield Cricket Club which received £2,000 to put towards essential cricket equipment for its ground and for its growing junior section.

Duncan Mallison, committee member at South Nutfield Cricket Club said: “The application process was simple and after we were awarded the grant the team clearly communicated what evidence we needed to provide in order to have the funds released.

“From applying for funding to receiving the grant was only a few months. I would recommend any local community groups and sports teams who require funding to approach the Gatwick Airport Community Trust.”

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 the 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.

For more information about the Gatwick Airport Community Trust and to find out how to apply for the next round, visit: https://gact.org.uk/