Greenham Common Trust wins prestigious Queen's award for third year

Having previously won the coveted accolade in 2008 and in 2003 when Greenham Business Park was the first commercial property development ever to receive the commendation, the trust has once again been recognised for its continued regeneration of RAF Greenham Common airbase into a sustainable business park.
The trust was created in 1997, transforming the 150 acres of nuclear airbase into a mixed-use business park, with over 150 businesses.
Sir Peter Michael, chairman and co-founder of the Greenham Common Trust said the award was a huge honour, and added: “Fifteen years ago we formed a charitable trust with the philanthropic vision of regenerating and transforming a redundant nuclear airbase. We wanted to safeguard Greenham Common from piecemeal development and create a sustainable commercial venture which would not only boost the local economy but create a self-sufficient charitable income, benefiting the lives of thousands of local residents.”
Since 1997 the trust has distributed over £16m to support over 700 local good causes.
Stuart Tagg, the trust’s Chief Executive, said: “The long-term vision for Greenham Business Park has always been to produce a commercial development capable of producing a secure, sustainable income that would support the local voluntary sector and charitable and environmental projects. The management of the Trust’s investment has enabled millions of pounds to be channelled into the community through its focus on economic development, social projects and ecological balance.”
The Trust’s latest exciting venture – www.findmeagrant.org – is an online grant application system which matches grant givers to local fundraisers, administers public donations (adding Trust matched funding and Gift Aid where applicable), free of charge.
So far, www.findmeagrant.org has raised well in excess of £300,000 for local organisations and nearly £100,000 in donations and Trust-Top Up (the matched funding element).