Bridgnorth Aluminium launches £15,000 community fund
Charities and community organisations tackling rural isolation across Shropshire are to share a £15,000 grant fund launched by the UK's last surviving aluminium rolling mill.
The Bridgnorth Aluminium Community Fund will award grants of up to £5,000 to voluntary and community organisations improving wellbeing for those most at risk of isolation across Shropshire.
Developed in partnership with the Shropshire Community Foundation, the scheme is part of a wider programme of activity marking 25 years of the business as part of the Viohalco Group.
A further £10,000 has been earmarked for charitable and community support outside the fund. Applications open on April 13 2026.
Head of Sales Adrian Musgrave said staff at the Stourbridge Road site had chosen tackling rural isolation as the focus for funding.
"Bridgnorth Aluminium has been part of this community for more than 90 years. Generations of Shropshire families have worked here — many of our current employees are the sons, daughters and grandchildren of people who came before them.
"Our staff recognise that there are areas of Shropshire where this level of community won't exist, where there are people at risk of loneliness and rural isolation.
"As we mark 25 years as part of the Viohalco Group family, it felt right to do something that gives back in a meaningful way.
"We're proud to be doing this with Shropshire Community Foundation and we look forward to seeing the difference it makes to people's lives," he added.
Bridgnorth Aluminium produces rolled aluminium coil for markets including print, packaging, architectural and electric vehicle battery manufacture. The only facility of its kind remaining in the UK, it employs more than 365 people on a 66-acre site in Bridgnorth and has been part of the town's industrial landscape for more than 90 years.
Shropshire Community Foundation CEO Joanna Morris said the fund would strengthen the reach of community support across the county.
Around 10,000 older people in Shropshire are living with chronic loneliness and one in 20 adults in the county report feeling lonely often or always. Rural communities face additional barriers — poor transport links and reduced access to services leave many with few opportunities for social connection.
"The Bridgnorth Aluminium Community Fund represents a significant opportunity to address this loneliness and isolation issue through targeted, community-led action.
"By investing in local organisations, this programme will strengthen outreach support, build social connections, and improve wellbeing for individuals across the county.
"Loneliness can be devastating, and it's brilliant to see a business of this stature stepping up to help tackle it.”
Priority will be given to projects supporting older people, young people, those in rural communities and individuals facing barriers to accessing services. Eligible organisations include registered charities, social enterprises and community interest companies with a track record of delivering community-based support.
The application window closes on 25 May 2026, click here to find out more and to apply.
