The Fund was set up in 2002 to help bring lasting benefit to those areas most affected by the airport’s operations. In that time, it has handed out £2.9m to more than 2,088 community initiatives.

The airport contributed £59,000 to the fund this year, which is topped up with noisy aircraft fines. The Community Fund Committee held its latest meeting this week, awarding £36,923 to 29 local groups and charities. This included a grant of £1,624 to the Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society for recording and monitoring equipment, a grant of £2,000 to East Leake Village Hall for a new oven, £1,000 to Borrowash in Bloom towards a180-litre water trolley and £1,345 to Kegworth Angling Society for lifebuoys.

Applications for the latest round of funding will be made using new online platform ActionFunder. This new method is being trialled with a view to making the process simpler and quicker, and allows organisations and the airport to share updates on applications. It also means that applicants can find other funding sources for their projects as Action Funder matches a wide range of different funders with projects.

Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Airport, Colleen Hempson, said:

“We’re proud of the difference our Community Fund has made for people living in the areas around the airport over the years, and are pleased to open another round of funding.

“The new system for applying online should make the process easier and we are looking forward to hearing feedback from applicants on their experiences of using the new platform that we are trialling for this funding round.”

Eligible charities, community groups and not-for-profit community organisations within the Area of Benefit can apply for grants up to £2,000 for tangible items of lasting benefit, such as equipment and furniture. The fund cannot pay for running costs, consumables, salaries, rent or maintenance.  Statutory organisations need to demonstrate that the items they are bidding for are outside of their statutory obligations or provide advice to local community groups and not-for-profit community organisations.

More information including how to apply is available in the EMA Community Fund Guidance Brochure and on the airport website here.