More than £30,000 pledged to local good causes by Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund

A youth club, a brass band and a children’s play centre are among more than a dozen charities and community groups to receive funding from Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund following its latest quarterly meeting.

The Community Trust Fund was set up in 1997 and has since donated more than £4m to charities and community groups in its area of benefit, which extends 10 miles from the airport.

More than £30,000 was pledged in the latest round of donations – bringing the total for 2026 up to almost £91,000.

The Trust Fund is overseen by a board of trustees drawn from the airport and local councils in neighbouring communities, with applications for up to £3,000 considered on a quarterly basis.

Among those to benefit from the latest funding were Our Space Youth Club in Wythenshawe, a club for children and young people with disabilities in the 7 – 18 age range. They will receive a £1,900 donation for silent disco equipment.

Jo Hampson, one of the group’s organisers, explained: “These resources will make a huge difference to our inclusive activities, giving our young people the opportunity to enjoy their very own disco while being able to control the volume to a level that feels comfortable and safe for them. The silent headphones will help reduce sensory overload, anxiety and distress caused by loud music, while allowing young people to still enjoy the atmosphere, music and fun alongside their friends.

“This means that young people who may previously have been unable to attend a disco because of noise and sensory sensitivities can now take part, build confidence, socialise, develop friendships and feel included. Manchester Airport's support is helping us make inclusion a reality and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to have fun, participate and belong.”

Also set to benefit is 4 Cheeky Monkeys, a children’s play centre in Sale. They were awarded £2,902 to pay for a set of outdoor play and learning equipment.

Jeneane Warhurst, a co-founder of 4 Cheeky Monkeys – which is a Community Interest Company - said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund for supporting 4 Cheeky Monkeys. This funding will allow us to purchase new outdoor play and learning equipment, helping us create an even more engaging and inclusive space where local children can play, explore and learn together. As a small community organisation, funding like this makes a huge difference to what we’re able to provide for local families.”

Lach Dennis & Lostock Green Parish Council in Cheshire were awarded £1,850 for a book exchange cabinet.

Cllr Alex Scrowther, who brought forward the idea, explained: “The Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund grant will enable Lach Dennis & Lostock Green Parish Council to purchase a handmade book exchange cabinet, providing a lasting resource for the local community for many years to come.

“The book exchange will encourage residents to share and discover books, helping to bring people together and strengthen community connections. It will also promote sustainability by giving unwanted books a second life, encouraging reuse and reducing waste. The cabinet will provide an accessible and welcoming resource for residents of all ages to enjoy and will help to create a greater sense of community spirit.”