Gatwick Airport Community Trust supports charities and groups in Surrey

Good causes across Surrey were celebrating this week after Gatwick Airport Community Trust announced the recipients of thousands of pounds of funding.

Money went to groups in Tandrige, Horley and the wider Surrey area, which will be used to carry on essential work during the cost-of-living crisis.

Every year The Gatwick Airport Community Trust invites groups across Surrey, as well as across Kent and Sussex, to apply for funding.

In 2023 a total of £200,000 was distributed to good causes across the region.

Melanie Wrightson, stakeholder engagement manager at London Gatwick said: “We know from the feedback we’ve received that these contributions have a significant impact, enabling charities, clubs and organisations to thrive and continue making a difference.

“This is especially important during the challenging economic times the country is facing where rampant inflation is affecting every aspect of our lives.

“It’s a privilege for everyone at London Gatwick to be able to play our part in having a positive impact on our community with the Gatwick Airport Community Trust as we continue to provide employment for many people in the area.”

In Tandridge, groups to benefit included St Peter & St Paul Church in Lingfield (£3,400), Bletchingley Skills Centre (£2,300), Bloomin' Arts (£2,000) and Make A Scene Theatre (£1,500).

Bloomin’ Arts will use the money to pay for a new oak sprung floor which will create an improved dance space for disabled adults.

Hayley Bull, Bloomin’ Arts CEO, said: "We were delighted to receive £2,000 from the Gatwick Airport Community Trust towards installing a new oak sprung floor at our headquarters in Lingfield.

“Our existing carpet was just not practical for all the creative arts activities we provide for disabled adults, particularly the dance company which were unable to put small jumps into their routines.

“This money has helped us to reach our fundraising target and the new floor will be installed over the summer in readiness for our new term in September.

“Thank you to Gatwick Airport Community Trust for helping us to provide a practical creative workspace and make this dream come true!”

In Horley community groups which received funding included Salfords Primary School PTA (£2,500), Salfords Cricket Club (£1,250), Keepers Corner Allotment Association (£1,250) and Horley Piscatorial Society (£1,100).

Elsewhere in Surrey beneficiaries included Burstow Parish Council (£2,250), St Joseph's Specialist Trust in Cranleigh (£1,050) and the College of St Barnabas in Lingfield (£1,000).

Funding was awarded to more than 100 community groups and charities which operate across Kent, East and West Sussex and Surrey.

Funding applications for 2023 are currently closed, but groups will soon be invited to apply for 2024.

The Gatwick Airport Community Trust is an independent charity which provides financial support to projects aimed at the development of young people, fostering the arts, enhancing sporting facilities, promoting environmental improvement and conservation, improving community facilities, supporting volunteering initiatives and assisting the elderly and disabled individuals.

The purpose of setting up the Trust 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.

For more information about the Gatwick Airport Community Trust, visit https://www.gact.org.uk/

London Gatwick is also urging community groups and charities in Surrey to apply for the next round of funding from the Gatwick Foundation Fund, which is managed on behalf of the airport by the Community Foundation for Surrey.

Groups must return an expression of interest by Tuesday 29 August, 2023. The deadline for full applications is 9 October, 2023.

For more information please visit https://www.cfsurrey.org.uk/

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Editors notes

About Gatwick Airport Community Trust

The Trust 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 Gatwick Airport Limited 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 Trust BEFORE applying for a larger grant.

Gatwick Airport Limited funds the Trust, with the annual amount linked to passenger numbers.

The purpose of setting up the Trust 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/