Gallaher Trust fund open for applications

The Gallaher Trust is now inviting local projects to apply for Trust Awards via its new website www.thegallahertrust.org

Created by JTI in response to the closure of its Lisnafillan manufacturing facility in Ballymena, the Trust has been established as an independent charity to deliver JTI’s £5million legacy fund continuing both the ethos of JTI, and previously Gallaher, in supporting the local community. The Trust’s aim is to promote job creation and skills development and to provide support to disadvantaged adults in the wider Ballymena community. It has £300,000 available each year and is seeking to support a small number of high value, impactful projects over the longer term.

As a charity, the Trust will offer its support through charitable and social enterprise/not-for-profit partners who have the expertise in creating and delivering projects that meet the aims of the Trust. Eligible organisations, who believe they have suitable projects which could meet the Trust’s objectives, can visit the website www.thegallahertrust.org where they will find further information on the Trust, including application guidelines and an application form to apply for a Trust Award.

The Trustees have also been actively seeking potential delivery partners and have confirmed that Partnership Agreements for two projects are very close to signature.

Greg McKinley, Director of Operations for the Gallaher Trust, said: “I am delighted to announce that the Trust is now open for business and that we have already identified two exciting projects. We now look forward to other eligible organisations, with suitable projects, applying for a Trust

Award via our website.”