Spotlight on the Eric Wright Charitable Trust

The Eric Wright Charitable Trust has been recognised as the Outstanding Grant Funder 2024 at our VSNW Funding & Commissioning Awards, celebrating their transformative support for the VCFSE sector across the North West.

The VSNW Funding & Commissioning Awards honour outstanding individuals and organisations driving excellence in funding and commissioning within the North West's voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector. Winners are nominated by the sector itself, celebrating their exceptional contributions.

Alison Wright (middle) accepted an award on behalf of the Eric Wright Charitable Trust 

Over the past six years, the trust has partnered with Macc to deliver five impactful grant programmes for small, grassroots groups and one for medium sized for groups operating in Greater Manchester.

This funding has enabled VCFSE groups to sustain essential work, such as supporting volunteering, promoting active communities, and, more recently, aiding efforts to mitigate the effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Eric Wright Charitable Trust exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding grant funder. Their commitment to empowering grassroots and medium-sized organisations, their focus on tackling inequalities, and their ability to adapt to emerging challenges have made a profound difference to communities across Greater Manchester. We are honoured to celebrate their incredible impact.
— Warren Escadale, Chief Executive of VSNW

The trust stands out for its ability to value and elevate the expertise of the VCFSE sector. From the outset, they approached Macc, recognising the critical role of infrastructure organisations in connecting with local communities. Their funding model not only ensures inclusivity but actively supports organisations working with the most disadvantaged communities, helping to tackle societal inequalities and foster meaningful inclusion.

The trust has also been applauded for its transparency, responsiveness, and adherence to high governance standards, ensuring that grant programmes run efficiently and effectively. Beyond their main funding programmes, the trust has shown flexibility and compassion, providing rapid and generous support to organisations facing unexpected challenges.

Alison Wright, Trustee for The Eric Wright Charitable Trust, said: “We are exceptionally proud of the funding and support we provide to the voluntary sector in the North West, through our CVS partnerships, and recognise the importance of providing funding to this sector. This award is testament to the team’s work and the strong relationships they have built across the region.
— Alison Wright, Trustee for The Eric Wright Charitable Trust


Through their partnership with Macc and their strategic focus, the Eric Wright Charitable Trust has become a vital force for good in the North West. Their recognition as Outstanding Grant Funder 2024 highlights their enduring commitment to strengthening communities and creating lasting opportunities for growth and inclusion.

To find out more about the trust’s work visit: The Eric Wright Charitable Trust - Eric Wright Group

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