Community Grants from Manchester Airport Boost Local Charities

Manchester Airport’s Community Trust Fund has committed more than £30,000 worth of funding to a total of 20 local charities and community projects at its first meeting of 2026.

Set up in 1997 to give something back to communities neighboring the airport, the Community Trust Fund has pledged more than £4m in donations in total. Managed by a committee of trustees from the local area, alongside representatives from the airport, it considers applications from within a 10-mile radius of the airport site with a maximum pledge of £3,000 per group or project.

Among those receiving the maximum pledge at the latest meeting was Greater Manchester Blood Bikes, a group of volunteer motorcyclists delivering blood, plasma, and other medical supplies to NHS hospitals free of charge, at night, on weekends, and on bank holidays. The group will use the funding to purchase Helite turtle vests for its drivers – a type of safety vest with an inbuilt airbag.

Russ Harrison, the charity’s Chair, said: “This grant will help keep our volunteer riders safe as they carry out their vital work delivering medical supplies to NHS facilities across the region.

“Greater Manchester Blood Bikes is a charity that relies heavily on the generosity of the public and businesses and the commitment of our wonderful volunteers to keep our service running for the benefit of those who need our help.”

Another recipient is Friends of Cowfield Park in Altrincham, which will receive £1,517. Organiser Mike O’Neill explained: “Friends of Cowfield Park is delighted to have been awarded a grant towards the purchase of benches and picnic tables for the community so they can enjoy.

“This informal recreation space, known locally as ‘The Cowie’, has been loved and used by generations of children and adults living in Oldfield Brow. The Friends group was formed in 2013 when the land was in danger of being lost to development, and since then, we have worked to make improvements and in particular to make Cowfield more accessible for all.

“These efforts eventually resulted in the construction of an all-seasons path that will allow pushchairs, wheelchair users, and others to now enjoy Cowfield Park year-round. The new benches and picnic tables will provide much-needed resting places along the way.”

A heritage trail in Cheadle will be fitted with informational signs, thanks to a £2,995 pledge from the Community Trust Fund to Cheadle Civic Society.

Phillip Gould-Bourn MBE, Chairman of Cheadle Civic Society, said: “We’re very grateful to Manchester Airport for the grant from their Community Trust Fund, which will support the creation of a Heritage Trail around our village. The Trail will be a valuable community asset that brings people together to learn more about local history and is a long-held ambition of the Society, which the Airport is helping bring to fruition.”

Mobberley Victory Hall Bowling Club, in the village of Mobberley, near Knutsford, was granted the full £3,000 for the purchase of a new specialized mower for its bowling greens.

Sylvia Buckley, Club Secretary, said: “By supporting this grant application, the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund has not just invested in bowling equipment – it is helping sustain a community asset that promotes social inclusion, intergenerational connection, and the preservation of a valued local tradition.

“This donation will allow us to continue offering sessions that are safe, engaging, and suitable for newcomers as well as long-standing bowlers. It will also help us expand participation, encouraging more residents to get involved and experience the physical, mental, and social benefits our group provides.”