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 September 2023, we've awarded 7 MRSF grants totalling £8,252! From future software developers to professional actors, athletes to makeup artist, read more below about the young people we supported this month. We look forward to sharing further details about them with you as their journeys progress.
Annabel, 17
Ambition: To be the next Rising Star on the Olympics pathway, becoming a Team GB shot put and discus thrower – she’s already ranked as U18's No.1 in the UK! Awarded: £2,314.95 For: Competition standard shot put and discus, weight bag, active wear, training gear and software to analyse her performances.
I feel so honoured and grateful to receive this award. It honestly means so much to me as it allows me to pursue my dreams of becoming an Olympian, and also helps me to carry on with my steps to become a surgeon at the same time which I am so grateful for. Allowing us athletes and entrepreneurs from difficult financial situations to be able to achieve our dreams, by supporting our passion, is the most amazing support a young person like myself could ever receive.
Glory, 16 Ambition: To turn her passion for makeup artistry into a viable business using her college qualifications. Awarded: £500 For: A makeup artistry course. You can see examples of Glory's work so far below!
"I’m so grateful for having the opportunity to having this course funded by We Love MCR. I really can’t wait to see where this course takes me now I don’t have to worry about it just being a dream, but something I can now do!"
India, 16 Ambition: To DJ at huge events like Parklife and Glastonbury, building on her experience at Manchester Carnival and PIE Radio in Stockport. Awarded: £2,710.99 For: A DJing course ran by industry professionals, a controller, carry bag, headphones, laptop and stand.
"Thank you so much to yourself and the rest of the We Love Manchester Charity for granting me this funding! I am beyond excited to begin my ambitions and start paving a pathway for my future. This funding will help be begin my career and has given me a massive boost in confidence as finance is no longer a barrier to my ambitions, thank to yourselves! Thank you again for all your help and guidance and I’ll definitely be keeping in touch with where I’m up to!"
Shayma, 18 Ambition: To excel in the legal field as a lawyer, soon starting a Law degree at Salford University. Awarded: £1,135 For: A laptop of her own and noise-cancelling headphones to help her study. We also invited Shayma to join us at a celebration of the Maurice Watkins Bursary, which sits within the Rising Stars Fund, where she met many members of the legal field.
“I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the charity for their incredible support. The MacBook and earphones they provided me with are truly game-changers for my studies as a lawyer. With these tools, I'll be able to enhance my research, stay organized, and excel in my coursework. Their generosity not only helps me in the present, but it also paves the way for my future as a corporate lawyer. I am also extremely grateful for the links to lawyers that they set me up with."
"This opportunity to connect with experienced professionals in the field is invaluable. It will not only provide me with guidance and mentorship but also give me the chance to gain practical experience and insights. Their support as a whole has given me the confidence and motivation to pursue my ambition as a corporate lawyer. Once again, a big thank you to the charity for their kindness, generosity, and belief in my potential. I am truly grateful for this incredible opportunity and I will make the most of it."
Kenan, 25 Ambition: Kenan is an aspring actor from Wythenshawe, entering his final year at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School that we supported him to attend 2 years ago as the only Mancunian on the course! Awarded: £380 For: Professional headshots to support his search for roles
I am completely humbled to be supported by the We Love Manchester Charity for a second time. The award generously allocated to me will pay for my professional acting headshots; they will be the first impression people have of me within the industry, therefore it is vital that they are of the highest standard. As I go into my final year at drama school, I can be rest assured that I have the support of the We Love Manchester charity behind me whilst I embark on my career as a professional actor. I am utterly grateful
September sees many young people begin their next steps in education, and we were proud to award two 16-year-old lads from South Manchester with the laptops they needed to progress on their chosen paths.
Awais*, 16 Ambition: To pursue a career in software development, just beginning a computer science course at Manchester College after remarkable GCSE results. Awarded: £1,084.61 For: A specialist laptop tailored to his future needs.
I am extremely thankful to the We Love MCR Charity for providing me with the funding for a laptop. You have greatly benefited me with a capable machine to pursue my college life with, which I will forever be grateful for. The process was fast and clear and I am immensely happy to have my application accepted, your mission to help young people is inspirational and I again I am extremely grateful for it. Thank you!
Ryan*, 16 Ambition: Ryan wants to achieve his childhood dream of working in the police force, inspired by his brother, as he be begins a public services course at Manchester College. Awarded: £127.10 For: A laptop to support his coursework going forward.
*name withheld at young person's request