Last Call for Island Charities and Community Groups: Marg McGee Community Awards Applications Close 31 October

Manx Telecom is reminding Isle of Man charities and community groups that applications for the Marg McGee Community Awards close on Saturday 31 October 2026.

The deadline applies to both strands of this year’s enhanced fund: the two new £10,000 Marg McGee Community Partnerships, and the biannual Small Grants Programme. Judging for both takes place in November.

This is the first year of the enhanced fund, which Manx Telecom doubled in July to £40,000, its largest ever. Now in its 19th year, the programme has awarded more than £200,000 to over 200 Manx community groups since it launched in 2008 as the It’s Our Community Awards.

Marg McGee Community Partnerships 

Two registered Isle of Man charities will each receive £10,000 and work with Manx Telecom as strategic partners throughout 2027. The partnerships go beyond funding to include collaboration, profile and practical support.

Applicants’ work must fall within one or more of four focus areas:

• Culture

• Environment

• Wellbeing

• Digital Inclusion

The two successful partners will be announced in late 2026 and receive their funding for the year commencing 2027.

Marg McGee Small Grants Programme 

The Small Grants Programme is open all year, with two judging rounds. Applications received by 31 October will be considered in the November round; anything after that rolls into the May 2027 round, which closes on 30 April.

Applications are reviewed by Manx Telecom senior leadership alongside guest MHK judges, keeping funding within reach of the Island’s smallest volunteer-run groups, from sports clubs and youth organisations to heritage groups and village associations.Successful projects will be celebrated at the annual Marg McGee Community Awards presentation evening in 2027.

How to apply

Applications for both programmes can be submitted at Manx Telecom before the 31 October deadline.