GRASSROOTS organisations helping communities through the coronavirus lockdown can apply for grants through a special fund set up by Manchester Airport.

The Airport’s Community Trust Fund already supports scores of local groups every year, with grants to improve local communities.

In response to the impact the Covid-19 pandemic is having on society, its trustees have agreed its next round of funding will be dedicated to organisations helping communities through the crisis.

Charities or not-for-profit organisations within a 10-mile radius of the airport can lodge applications until May 26.

A special meeting on May 29 will consider requests and payment made to successful applications the following week, to ensure their efforts can be supported at the earliest opportunity.

The Community Trust Fund will continue to operate as normal throughout the year, but will prioritise organisations supporting people who are at high risk from Covid-19, those supporting communities most likely to face increased demand and challenges as a direct result of Covid-19 and those with high potential to support communities with the direct and indirect impact of Covid-19.

The Airport contributes £100,000 a year to the Fund, as well as the proceeds of any aircraft noise fines.

Chairman of trustees, John Twigg, from MAG, said: “Over the years, the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund has given more than £3 million to support hundreds of projects that have helped improve the lives of our neighbours.

“That will continue to be the case and is all part of the airport’s wider commitment to enriching the communities it serves through support and volunteering.

“The coronavirus pandemic is deeply impacting those same communities as well as being a major challenge for aviation.

“Therefore, the trustees wanted to find a way to ensure the Community Trust Fund could complement the work MAG is doing and provide a helping hand to those who are stepping up to support those who most need it at this challenging time.”

Maximum grants during this special round of funding will be £3,000. Details on how to apply and the full criteria can be found at manchesterairport.co.uk/community/working-in-our-community/community-trust-fund