18.07.2025
The East Midlands Airport Community Fund is dedicated to bringing lasting benefit to those areas most affected by the airport’s operations. It forms part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy, committed to minimising the impact of airport operations on surrounding communities. The airport contributes £55,000 each year to the EMA Community Fund and this is topped up with any fines for noisy aircraft.
You can find details about this fund including full eligibility criteria in their EMA Community Fund Guidance Brochure, which you are advised to read before making an application.
Charities, community groups and not-for-profit community organisations within the EMA Area of Benefit can apply for grants up to £2,000 for tangible items of lasting benefit, such as equipment and furniture. This fund cannot pay for running costs, consumables, salaries, rent, maintenance.
Schools – schools are not generally eligible for the community fund, unless they can evidence that the items purchase will be in regular use of the local community, including those who don’t attend the school.
Statutory Bodies – Statutory bodies can only be funded where they are applying for a project that is outside of their statutory responsibilities
All applications for a Community Fund grant are assessed by the independent Community Fund Committee, which is made up of three local councillors, an airport operator and an EMA representative. These members bring local knowledge to the Community Fund, ensuring the money is used to the maximum benefit of the community.
The next deadline for applications to be submitted is 5pm on 6 October 2025. Please remember to include the required supporting information including quotes for the items you wish to purchase, your organisations constitution and your annual financial information. You’ll be notified of the decision shortly after the Committee Meeting, which takes place on 3rd November 2025. Any applications received after 3rd October will be put into the next quarterly meeting in February 2026.
Should you require further information please email community@eastmidlandsairport.com or call Colleen Hempson on 01332 818414.
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