Bishops Stortford-based charity, Grove Cottage, is set to benefit from a £50,000 donation from the London Stansted Airport Community Fund.
The grant is the first since the Fund relaunched earlier this year and forms part of the £150,000 it will hand out to local charities and groups annually.
Grove Cottage, which helps people with learning disabilities of all ages, is rebuilding its ageing headquarters into a purpose-built facility.
The charity will use the £50,000 to purchase and install solar panels to generate electricity and a heat pump to provide heating and hot water.
This will result in long-term benefits for the centre and its patrons as well as reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs.
With the help of special guest Julie Marson MP and Community Fund representatives, the airport’s Managing Director, Gareth Powell, presented a cheque to the centre on Friday, June 16.
Gareth Powell, London Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We are very proud to be part of the local community and delighted that the Community Fund is another way our neighbours can share in our success.
Kevin Davis, Chair of Trustees at Grove Cottage, said: “Grove Cottage has been established for nearly 60 years serving the community in and around Bishops Stortford providing valuable services to our members and their families who have learning disabilities.
“We are embarking upon an ambitious plan to build a new bespoke centre here in London Road which will allow us to increase both the quantity and quality of provision hopefully for another 60 years.
“The sustainability of our services will be complimented by the unique and sustainable design of the new ‘Grove Cottage’.
Following the airport’s successful planning application to serve up to 43 million passengers a year, the Community Fund was relaunched in January 2023 to reinforce its ties and provide further support to the local community.