About Gloucestershire gateway trust
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust: Pioneering Social Investment for Sustainable Community Projects
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust is a non-profit organization that was established in 2007 with the aim of investing in sustainable community projects. The trust has since become a pioneer of social investment, providing funding and support to local initiatives that promote economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Over the next 20 years, Gloucestershire Gateway Trust plans to invest an estimated £10 million into various community projects across the county. This significant investment will help to create jobs, improve access to education and training opportunities, enhance public spaces and facilities, and support local businesses.
One of the key objectives of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust is to promote social inclusion by supporting disadvantaged groups such as young people who are not in education or employment (NEETs), ex-offenders, people with disabilities or mental health issues, and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. The trust works closely with local charities and community groups to identify areas where its funding can make a real difference.
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust also recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability in creating thriving communities. The trust supports initiatives that promote renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines; reduce waste through recycling schemes; improve air quality through tree planting or green transport options; and protect natural habitats through conservation efforts.
The trust's flagship project is the Gloucester Services on the M5 motorway which opened in 2014. This unique service station offers locally sourced food from over 130 suppliers within a 30-mile radius of its location. It also features an eco-friendly design with rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels for electricity generation, biomass boilers for heating water supply chain management practices that minimize waste.
In addition to this project, Gloucestershire Gateway Trust has invested in several other initiatives including:
- The Growth Hub: A business support service that provides advice on starting up or growing a business, access to funding, and networking opportunities.
- The Gloucester Heritage Urban Regeneration Company: A partnership between the trust and the local council that aims to regenerate historic buildings in Gloucester city center.
- The Forest of Dean Community Energy: A community-led project that aims to generate renewable energy from solar panels installed on public buildings such as schools and community centers.
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust is committed to making a positive impact on the communities it serves. Its social investment model ensures that its funding is used effectively and efficiently, creating long-term benefits for local people. By supporting sustainable community projects, the trust is helping to build a brighter future for Gloucestershire.
gloucestershiregatewaytrust.org.uk