Each month, our Trustees come together to award grants from our two core funds. The 'Stronger Communities Fund' (SCF), where we seek applications from community groups looking to make a difference in their area, and the 'Manchester's Rising Stars Fund' (MRSF) where we award grants supporting ambitious young Mancunians.
In December, we awarded 1 SCF and 6 MRSF grants which came to a total of £19,106! Here is the full list of the fantastic local initiatives and young people we supported, and we look forward to sharing further details about them with you as the projects and Rising Stars' ambitions develop.
Stronger Communities Fund
Igreja Evangélica Pentecostal a Pedra de Sião
About: Igreja Pedra de Sião are a community church who primarily serve the Black Portuguese speaking community in North Manchester, but also the wider community with various events and workshops.
Project: The community told them that they lack family activities and spaces, so they applied to the SCF to fund 11 months of family Zumba sessions, estimating 100 men, women and children will benefit.
Award: £4,000
Location: Blackley
Manchester's Rising Stars Fund
Rabha, 19 from Moss Side
Ambition: To become a qualified Pharmacist after completing her studies at Liverpool University! Awarded: £1,490 For: A laptop of her own and other course materials, so she's not restricted to studying at the library in Liverpool given she is making long commutes from home in Manchester.
"It’s a pleasure to be in receipt of this grant by your organisation; since my first call with Marie the sincerity of it was clear. The We Love Manchester Charity has not only been generous financially, but also patient and supportive when listening to me & tailoring support to my needs.
I hope that one day, I give back to the youth of Manchester in the same manner your organisation has. This grant isn’t just for me, it’s also setting an example for my younger siblings to follow their dreams and work hard. As there are organisations that will push them towards social mobility"
Marzuq, 17 from Fallowfield
Ambition: To become an airline pilot, having extensively researched and identified three potential routes for this to happen! Awarded: £180 For: The purchase of an SIA licence and training which will allow him to work in the security industry, so he can earn money to follow his primary ambition.
""I am very grateful to We Love MCR Chairty for the financial support I have been given. THe award will hopefully ease my struggle to become an exceptional future pilot. This will help me fund my modular pilot training which requires a tremendous amount of commitment, resilience and persistence. I am so glad for the award."
Hiba, 17 from Chorlton
Ambition: To become a teacher who positively influences the lives of students, and has applied to Manchester Metropolitan University to study Primary Education. Awarded: £1,135 For: A laptop of her own, so she's not relying on a device shared by the whole family.
"I just want to say a big thanks to We Love MCR Charity for giving me this MacBook! It's a huge help for my uni work, and now I don't have to stress about affording a laptop. This makes a big difference for me – I'm super grateful!"
Fatema*, 22 currently living in London
Ambition: To become a barrister, using her own unique lived experience of the care system to advocate for young people. Awarded: £9,221
For: A special decision was made by our Trustees to cover the full costs of her final part of the Bar Course. This is Fatema's* second application to the Fund, and our Trustees are incredibly impressed at her ability and progress so far!
"I would to extend my thanks to the We Love MCR Charity for granting me this generous award in supporting me to become a barrister. For the past eight years, this has been my dream career and this grant will help fund my bar course which will allow me to be called to the Bar of England and Wales and fulfil my dream. I am grateful for their continued support and guidance and I cannot wait to embark on my journey."
Kaitlin, 16 from Clayton
Ambition: To be a motorsport photographer, particularly focusing on F1 photography. She is finishing a photography course at Manchester College and has secured herself a placement at Silverstone in 2024! Awarded: £1,945 For: A camera of her own, as she's currently borrowing from college, and a laptop to set her up for freelance work and editing.
"The Rising Stars Fund has helped me to better my education by giving me the bare essentials that I need to continue my course and complete extra work outside. This is to better my work and further build my portfolio using proper technology to enhance my photography skills."
Fatima, 19 from Moss Side
Ambition: To qualify as a nurse after completing studies at Huddersfield University, and sees herself travelling to other countries to provide care in regions where it is most needed. Awarded: £1,135 For: A laptop and headphones of her own to assist her studies, ensuring she has every chance of success.
*care leaver, name anonymised at young person's request