A £50,000 community grant is up for grabs as the Stansted Airport Community Fund (SACF) opens its latest round of funding for local groups, charities and organisations.
Applications open on July 1, with the Fund offering its Flagship Award of up to £50,000 for a major community project, alongside grants of up to £5,000 for smaller schemes, helping local groups improve facilities, buy equipment and deliver projects that benefit their communities.
The funding is available to organisations within a 10 miles radius of the airport and is designed to support projects that deliver long-term benefits.
Last year, two organisations received £25,000 each through the flagship scheme. Essex Wildlife Trust used the funding to improve access at the Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve near Stansted Mountfitchet by refurbishing a path through the site, helping visitors enjoy the reserve while protecting the surrounding habitat.
Meanwhile, Sheering Parish Council secured funding to replace the roof of its village hall, helping ensure the much used community building can continue to host local activities and events for years to come.
Daniel Turpin, London Stansted’s Community Engagement Manager, said:
“This is our biggest community grant programme of the year, and it’s designed to support projects that will have a lasting impact locally. Last year’s winners showed the difference this funding can make, from protecting our natural environment to improving important community facilities. We’d encourage any organisation with a strong proposal to take a look at what’s available and apply.”
In the last round of funding, almost £31,000 was awarded to 11 local projects across Uttlesford, East Herts, Epping Forest and Harlow, supporting everything from village improvement schemes and youth projects to community wellbeing initiatives.
Applications close in September, with successful projects announced later this year. Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available at MAG Airports Community Funds
