1. Who we are‍ ‍

Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust (“we”, “us”, “our”) is a grant-making charity that provides funding to community organisations delivering charitable benefits across Greater Manchester. We are the data controller for the personal information you provide when applying for funding or contacting us.

2. What information we collect‍ ‍

We may collect and process the following personal data:

From application forms (online or email):

  • Name and contact details (e.g. email, phone number)

  • Organisation details (including trustees/directors where relevant)

  • Financial information (e.g. accounts, income/expenditure)

  • Project details and funding requests

  • Previous grant history and reporting information

From communications:

  • Emails, phone calls, or correspondence with you

  • Any additional information you choose to provide

From website usage:

  • Basic technical data such as IP address and cookies (where applicable)

3. How we use your information‍ ‍

We use your personal data to:

  • Assess grant applications and make funding decisions

  • Manage awarded grants, including monitoring and reporting

  • Contact applicants regarding applications or outcomes

  • Meet legal and regulatory obligations (e.g. Charity Commission guidance)

  • Improve our application process and services

4. Legal basis for processing‍ ‍

We process your data under the following lawful bases:

  • Legitimate interests – to assess applications and distribute charitable funds effectively

  • Legal obligation – to comply with charity law and regulatory requirements

  • Consent – where you have explicitly provided information voluntarily (e.g. submitting an application)

5. Who we share your data with‍ ‍

We may share your information with:

  • Trustees of the Manchester Guardian Society for decision-making

  • Grant administrators

  • Service providers supporting our website or administration

  • We do not sell or trade your personal data

  • Regulators or authorities where required by law

6. How long we keep your data‍ ‍

We retain personal data only as long as necessary:

  • Application data: typically up to 3 years after a decision

  • Monitoring reports: retained in line with funding requirements

However, we may retain certain limited information indefinitely for record-keeping and historical purposes, including:

  • Organisation name

  • Application date and outcome

  • Funding amounts awarded

This information is retained to maintain an accurate historical record of grants awarded and to support transparency, reporting, and future decision-making. Data may be retained longer where required by law.

7. How we protect your data‍ ‍

We take appropriate security measures to protect your information, including:

  • Secure storage of application records

  • Restricted access to authorised trustees or administrators

  • Use of secure systems for online forms (where applicable)

8. Your rights‍ ‍

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction of inaccurate data

  • Request deletion of your data (where applicable)

  • Restrict or object to processing

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

9. Cookies and website usage‍ ‍

Our website may use cookies to ensure it functions effectively and to improve user experience. You can control cookies through your browser settings.

10. Contact us‍ ‍

If you have any questions about this Privacy Notice or your data, please contact: Manchester Guardian Society Charitable Trust

Email: grants@manchesterguardiansociety.org.uk

Website: https://manchesterguardiansociety.org.uk‍

Effective date - 27th March 2026 ‍