Ashton-on-Mersey charity to disperse £220,000 to good causes (From Messenger Newspapers)

Ashton-on-Mersey charity to disperse £220,000 to good causes

4:00pm Thursday 11th October 2012 in News

CHARITIES and community organisations in Ashton-on-Mersey and parts of Sale West could soon benefit from a large financial boost, thanks to a decision made by charity trustees.

The Brooks Institute Charity sold its Grade II listed Brooks Institute Buildng, in Ashton-on-Mersey, two years ago, but until now have only been able to able to distribute the interest of its £220,000 assets, not the capital.

However, the trustees of the Brooks Institute Charity have decided the best way to serve the community is to wind down the charity and distribute its assets over two years, obtaining special permission from the Charity’s Commission to do so.

Chair of trustees, Cllr Brian Rigby, said: “The charity had been able to use the interest of the institution for good causes, but in the current financial climate the capital was generating very little interest.

“We’re talking about only being able to spend hundreds of pounds instead of tens of thousands.”

Cllr Rigby and his fellow trustees are now asking organisations from within the historic boundary of Ashton-on-Mersey Parish, which now comprises the wards of Ashton-on-Mersey and St Mary’s, to apply for funding.

It was the wish of the charity’s benefactor, Sir William Cunliffe Brooks, that the money raised from the sale of his property be distributed to good causes within the area.

The charity will now distribute £100,000 this year and the same amount the year after, and organisations have until the end of 2012 to apply.

“The money will be distributed to a number of good causes depending on applications and they will all be judged on merit, we’re anxious to help as many as possible.”

To apply for Brooks Institute funding, visit brookscharity.org.uk or call Cllr Rigby in 0161 912 2633.