An airport charity is calling for groups to apply for a share of £200,000 of funding.
The Gatwick Airport Community Trust (GACT) is calling on groups to apply for grants to support their projects.
There is a total of £200,000 available for groups in Sussex, as well in neighbouring Kent and Surrey.
“Through the Gatwick Airport Community Trust we have been supporting grassroots organisations, charities and voluntary projects to improve people’s lives and help those in need in the region since 2002,” said Melanie Wrightson, stakeholder engagement manager at Gatwick Airport.
“We want to urge these important groups to apply for funding. The trustees are looking forward to receiving and considering their applications.”
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Previous recipients of funding from GACT have included Kangaroos in Haywards Heath, a charity which provides year-round clubs and trips for people with learning disabilities and additional needs.
“We are extremely appreciative of the support the Gatwick Airport Community Trust has provided, enabling us to deliver exciting and fun events for children and young people with disabilities,” said Jenni Herrett, Kangaroos’ grants and contracts manager.
“The community trust has supported us consistently over the last ten years with grants totalling more than £20,000 which has helped us to organise activities such as overnight and day trips, buying sensory equipment and buying toys.”
Another group which has benefited from the funding is Age UK in Crawley.
Joanna Hatton, development manager at Age UK in Crawley, said: “We were so grateful to receive a grant of £2,500 from GACT which has allowed us to set up new social groups for older people in Crawley.
“We have an activity and lunch club, an afternoon tea group and a monthly film club. The grant has enabled us to hire venues and pay for staff, activities and refreshments.
“We’d urge eligible organisations to apply for a grant from GACT as the money can make such a huge difference. In our case, we’re directly helping over 200 people in Crawley, tackling loneliness, promoting new friendships and helping older people make the most of later life.”
The application process is now open, and the deadline is March 31.
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