The Macclesfield Disability Information Bureau received the money from the Big Lottery Fund after turning down an offer of £90,000 from the same body just six months ago.
In August last year, members refused the grant feeling that anything less than their original bid would have "jeopardised our future".
But a resubmitted application resulted in an award of £161,108 being made to the charity, based on Pierce Street, which will allow trustees to cover the costs of a manager and an administrator for the next three years.
An original lottery grant in 2001 allowed them to appoint paid staff for the first time as the service - which recruits, trains and provides volunteers to pass on accurate information to disabled people - continues to grow. But those funds were due to run out in March, leaving the charity's very future at risk.
Chairman of the bureau, Mike Westcott, said that refusing the £90,000 offer was a risk worth taking.
"It was a gamble, but we had to turn it down," he said. "Because of the business expertise we've got, it a calculated decision that was quite clearly thought through".
"We had to resubmit because what we were offered wouldn't have allowed us to run the project. Prior to hearing we had successfully reapplied in the February round of awards, the future was quite unsure.
"Without the award it would jeopardised our future. We probably would have carried on, but it would have been more about maintenance than development.
"The reason for the original lottery bid was because we realised that to move on and develop you need professional expertise.
"The fact we were successful is great for the service because it allows us to continue to 2008.
"Our client group is disabled people, older people and carers, and they are the people who will continue to benefit from the service." The bureau is unique in the borough as it is run by disabled people for disabled people.
Among their many projects include publishing a handbook with details of all disability organisations, making presentations on how to provide information to rural areas, and running an appraisal service - in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.
They also run a groundbreaking IT project which involves individual assessments of any particular difficulties blocking people's access to computers, and possible ways around them.
Janet Eastwood is the North West Communications Officer for the Big Lottery Fund - which was created by merging the New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund.
She said that it was "not particularly unusual" for groups to turn down their original offer and then be awarded a larger grant following a resubmission.
09.03.05 Macclesfield Express
