Bristol Airport to open applications for new Local Community Fund

The Airport Environmental and Amenity Improvement Fund (known as the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund 2024) was set up as one of the commitments the Airport agreed to provide in connection with the planning permission for development.

Each year, Bristol Airport will contribute £100,000 to the Bristol Airport Local Community Fund 2024. The Fund’s Management Committee meets on a quarterly basis and includes representatives from both the Airport, North Somerset Council and is independently chaired.

The next meetings are in September and December, and Bristol Airport is keen for as many community projects as possible to take advantage of the scheme. Any community ventures that fit the criteria are encouraged to apply for the next wave of grants. The type of projects that would benefit include:

• Schemes which improve, enhance, protect and conserve the natural environment within the vicinity of the Airport.

• Noise mitigation for non-residential buildings. (Residential buildings can apply to the separate Noise Mitigation Scheme).

• Traffic implications associated with an increase in passengers using the Airport.

• Any other projects/schemes which can demonstrate they will help mitigate an environmental and/or amenity impact that can be attributed to the Airport expanding.

The Bristol Airport Local Community Fund 2024 has been established to invest in a range of local projects which benefit the local community and the environment. It’s main purpose is to mitigate the environmental impacts of the Airport’s operations and give something back to the surrounding communities who are affected by being situated in close proximity to an airport. It reflects our aim to develop our Airport in a sustainable way, respectful of the local community and the environment. The Local Community Fund has set criteria relating to noise mitigation, transport improvements and biodiversity.

Last year, a record amount of funding was donated to help local projects from Bristol Airport’s Local Community Fund with over £220,000 granted to support community schemes, making it the highest amount ever granted in a year. In total, 62 individual projects benefited from the Fund with grants ranging from £500 to £15,000 in 2023. Since 2012, Bristol Airport has donated over £1.6 million pounds.

To find out more information on the new Local Community Fund, please visit the Airport’s website.