Supporting Our Local Community

The Airport Community Fund brings lasting benefit to the areas most affected by the airport's operations. It's part of our Community Relations programme, which aims to reduce the impact of the airport on surrounding communities.

Since April 2002, the fund has given over £2.8 million to more than 2,000 local projects. These range from equipment for village halls to new wildlife areas.

If your organisation is within our Area of Benefit, you can apply to either of our two funds. Use our Area of Benefit look-up tool to check whether you're eligible.

The EMA Community Fund (up to £2,000):

This fund is dedicated to bringing lasting benefit to those areas most affected by the airport’s operations. The airport contributes £59,000 each year to the EMA Community Fund, and this is topped up with noisy aircraft fines.

Charities, community groups and not-for-profit community organisations within the EMA Area of Benefit can apply for grants up to £2,000 for tangible items of lasting benefit, such as equipment and furniture. This fund cannot pay for running costs, consumables, salaries, rent, or maintenance.

Please read our EMA Community Fund Guidance Brochure, before you apply. It includes the full eligibility criteria.

Next application deadline: 4 January 2027

The EMA Community Sponsorship Fund (up to £200):

The EMA Community Sponsorship Fund provides small grants to support local charities and community groups with projects and events that benefit the local community and might not otherwise be able to take place.

We may consider awards above £200 for events and projects in our nearest villages. For larger projects of lasting benefit, consider applying for an EMA Community Fund grant instead.

Application deadline dates

Community Fund Annual Reports

2025 - 2026 EMA Community Fund Annual Report

2024 - 2025 EMA Community Fund Annual Report

2023 - 2024 EMA Community Fund Annual Report

2022 - 2023 EMA Community Fund Annual Report

2021 - 2022 EMA Community Fund Annual Report

2020 - 2021 EMA Community Fund Annual Report

2020 EMA Community Fund Report

2019 EMA Community Fund Report

The EMA Sound Insulation Grant Scheme (SIGS) helps the people most affected by aircraft and airport noise to improve the sound insulation of their homes.

You may be eligible for a grant if your home:

• is within the scheme boundary around the airport, and

• was built before January 2002

This applies to any building, or part of a building, that's used as a home.

Our SIGS brochure (PDF) has a map of the scheme boundary and its zones. It also explains how to check whether you're eligible and how to contact our managing agent.

If you think a vortex has damaged your property, email the Community Team as soon as possible at community@eastmidlandsairport.com.

A vortex is a circulating current of air created by an aircraft as it flies. When planes come in to land, a vortex can reach the ground, especially on days with little wind. Occasionally this can damage the roofs of houses under the flight path close to the airport. Pitched roofs with loose tiles are most at risk.

Only a very small area of Kegworth is likely to be affected. Because it isn't always possible to identify which aircraft caused the damage, we'll inspect and repair any vortex damage as a goodwill gesture.

The Airport Trail is a 10km (6 mile) walk around the whole airport perimeter. It passes through woodland, parkland and meadows, with views of both the runway and the surrounding countryside. There's a picnic area at the north-east end.

Between 2005 and 2012, we worked with local primary schools and community groups to plant trees and create an art trail. There are currently five pieces of Art on the Trail.

To mark the airport's 60th anniversary in 2025, the EMA Community Fund gave £60,000 to upgrade the trail. The money paid for new signs and information boards, artwork repairs, replanted hedgerows and improved footpaths.

Download the EMA Airport Trail Guide.

East Midlands Aeropark

Next to the Airport Trail, in the north-west corner of the airport near Castle Donington, you'll find the East Midlands Aeropark. This outdoor aviation museum is run by volunteers and displays historic aircraft, including the Vulcan bomber and the Nimrod. Its viewing mounds overlook the runway, making it a popular spot for watching take-offs and landings. For opening times and admission prices, visit the East Midlands Aeropark website.