Trafford Active Fund announces £42k awards to help support local community organisations

The Trafford Active Fund, run by Manchester Marathon organisers Human Race, has announced that it is making £42,000 in awards available to help support community focused organisations impacted by the pandemic. 

Three organisations will each be gifted £14,000 to support the work they are doing in Greater Manchester with a focus in Trafford, with applications open immediately.

Previously the Trafford Active Fund has awarded sums to individuals in the local area to allow them to pursue their sporting dreams that might otherwise not have been possible, including buying specialist equipment and covering travel costs. 

The funds announced today are hoping to benefit a large number of local people, via the invaluable work of charities, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sectors during this challenging period.

Every runner who signs up to either the Manchester Marathon or Manchester Half contributes to the Trafford Active Fund, with Human Race giving £1 of each entry fee directly to the scheme. 

Both events have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, meaning more money than ever is available to support sporting schemes in Greater Manchester. 

After an enforced hiatus in 2020, the Manchester Marathon returns on Sunday 10th October with a record 30,000 set to take part, making it the fourth largest event of its nature in Europe.

A small committee, including Andrew Western (Leader of Trafford Council), Andy Burnham (Mayor of Greater Manchester), Marnie Millard (Chair of UA92), Nigel Murray (COO of Booths) and Nick Rusling (CEO of Human Race) will be looking at the applications and issuing the funds to three organisations who, according to the committee, are implementing the most valuable projects to encourage exercise, activity, sport and movement in the Trafford and Greater Manchester community.

“We know that many local organisations have struggled during the pandemic, with many suffering a huge drop in donations and funding,” said Nick Rusling, CEO of Human Race.

“This latest initiative from the Trafford Active Fund will ensure some of the fantastic work being done in Greater Manchester can continue at this tough time for us all. 

“Thank you to all our runners, many of whom have decided to personally donate more, as it’s down to them that we can award this record amount in early 2021.”

Councillor Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council said they are “very conscious of the impact the pandemic has had on organised sport and events – and how tough it has been for Trafford residents unable to take part in their normal physical activities. 

“At the same time, keeping active has never been more important for mental and physical health, so we’re delighted to see this funding on offer for local charities to enable them to encourage and support physical activity in the borough.”

Applications for the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 10th October are open until Wednesday 10th February 2021. Applications for the Trafford Active Fund are open until Monday 15th February 2021.