We are Manchester's charity.
Empowering positive change for communities and young people across our city.
Manchester has a proud history of solidarity and standing up for those who need help. We know that Mancunians have far more in common than that which divides us. From Peterloo to the Pankhursts, our city gives a voice to the voiceless.
We also know too well the problems that face us. In our bright, international city, 40% of our children grow up with poverty and the long-term impacts that causes. Tragically, there are also those who seek to sow division within our communities.
So we empower positive change for communities and young people across our city - working to address inequality, invest in positive futures and see the people of Manchester flourish.
Our Work
Core funds
We achieve our mission by awarding financial grants to help people improve their lives, communities and spaces.
We empower local people to empower their communities when they are ready. We listen, and act on their inspiring ideas.
This unique Fund gives ambitious young Mancunians a helping hand to take opportunities that are out of their reach.
Partner programmes
As well as our core funds, we also provide funding to external partners across Manchester for the purposes of addressing inequality and seeing Mancunians flourish.
We support MYL's bespoke employability work, providing invaluable opportunities to young people at risk of social exclusion.
Each year, alongside Manchester's Early Help Team, we fund families with complex needs to experience impactful therapeutic breaks.
Our People
The Lord Mayor of Manchester
We are honoured to have the sitting Lord Mayor of Manchester as our Chair of Trustees. This has been a defining feature of We Love MCR's governance since the very beginning of our history, when we were known as The Lord Mayor's Charity.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester has been a ceremonial role since 1892, proudly representing the people of Manchester and supporting our Charity. The Lord Mayor’s term lasts for one year, and a new Lord Mayor is elected in a full Council meeting each May.
The 126th Lord Mayor of Manchester is Paul Andrews, elected Councillor for Baguley, who assumed the role in May 2024. Click below to learn more about our current Chair of Trustees!
Sir Howard Bernstein (1953 - 2024)
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In April 2024, We Love MCR Charity lost a dear friend and benefactor in Sir Howard Bernstein. Not many can say they played as big a part in modern Manchester's history as he did, and we were proud to call him We Love MCR Charity's very first Ambassador.
In 2017, he raised £480,000+ on his retirement dinner, establishing the SHB Endowment Fund for young Mancunians in the process. The lasting legacy of which has been the Manchester's Rising Stars Fund, created in 2020 and administered on Sir Howard's behalf by We Love MCR Charity.
We can proudly say that nearly 300 young Mancunians have been empowered by the support and belief placed in them with grants from this Fund since its inception. Opportunities are being grasped, and lives changed, by the continued work of this Fund. Read our statement on Sir Howard's passing below.
Trustees
Ambassadors
We are helped by key supporters, who give their time and expertise to expand our network and grow our capacity to support Manchester.
Staff Team
Contact us
Telephone:
07815 550631
Email:
welovemcrcharity@manchester.gov.uk
Write to us:
We Love MCR Charity
c/o Manchester City Council,
Town Hall Extension Level 1
Manchester
M60 2LA