Kent Community Foundation

03/06/2026

As we mark , we’re proud to celebrate organisations making a real difference in our communities.

A huge congratulations to Medway Watersports Centre on receiving the King's Award for Voluntary Service, a fantastic and well-deserved recognition of the dedication and impact of your volunteers 👏

Our Grants Manager, Rachèle, was delighted to attend the ceremony last week and meet some of the volunteers at the heart of your work 💙

01/06/2026

This , we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who give their time, energy and care to strengthen communities across Kent and Medway.

From protecting local green spaces to supporting community projects, your contribution makes a real difference!

👇 Know a volunteer or group who deserves a shout-out? Tag them in the comments or share a photo to help us celebrate and say thank you.

📸 Here are just a handful of photos showcasing volunteer-led organisations doing mighty things in their local communities…

29/05/2026

💡 Did you know we offer grants to help young people start or grow a business?

Through our partnership with SWEF, we provide funding of up to £2,000 to young entrepreneurs aged 18-30 in Kent and Medway. These grants don't need to be paid back - they are designed to help buy essential equipment, pay for training, or secure stock.

Here is how a SWEF grant made a difference to Grace's business:

“The grant allowed us to invest in key equipment, helping us improve our workflow, grow our team and continue delivering high‑quality content. Being backed by an organisation that believes in young entrepreneurs has been incredibly motivating.”
- Grace Easby, Founder of Sace Socials

👉 Learn more about SWEF grants: https://kentcf.org.uk/funding/swef-business-grants/
👇 Know someone who could benefit? Tag them below or share this post.

26/05/2026

🎉 It’s Kent Day today!

Today we’re celebrating everything that makes Kent such a special place - its people, its communities and the local action that helps them thrive.

Kent Day marks the date Kent was officially recognised as a county back in 1550. This year feels extra special for Kent Community Foundation, as May is also our 25th birthday month 🎂

For 25 years, we’ve been proudly rooted in Kent and Medway - working alongside local communities, supporting grassroots organisations and connecting purposeful donors with the causes that matter most locally.

To celebrate, we’re sharing this short film looking back on 25 years of community‑led change, made possible by the people who know their communities best.

🎥Take a moment to watch and celebrate Kent with us!
💬 What makes Kent special to you? Tell us below 👇

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey so far 💚

22/05/2026

🎉 Our Annual funding route is now open 🎉

Following valuable feedback from applicants and partners, we’ve refined our funding routes and eligibility to ensure our support is focused where it can make the greatest difference - supporting smaller and grassroots organisations across Kent and Medway.

Who can apply?
• Organisations that have received funding from Kent Community Foundation at least three times in the last three years
• An annual average income up to £500,000

What can you apply for?
• One application per year for up to £10,000
• This route is designed to support ongoing core costs
⚠️ Please do not apply for time‑specific or one‑off expenditure

How is the funding awarded?
• Applications remain live for 12 months following assessment
• Grants may be awarded at any point during that 12‑month period
• Funding is not usually paid in one instalment and may be awarded in stages, depending on panel decisions and available funds

📌 You can submit one application in any 12‑month period, unless applying to a clearly advertised niche or one‑off fund.

🔗 Find out more about the Annual route and apply here: https://kentcf.org.uk/eligibility-success

🔗 Find out what’s changed across our funding routes, eligibility criteria and impact areas: https://kentcf.org.uk/news/were-relaunching-our-annual-funding-route/

We look forward to receiving your application 💚

21/05/2026

New funding opportunity for local communities 🌱

We’re pleased to launch the South Brooks Community Sponsorship Fund, offering grants of up to £6,000 to support charitable organisations delivering real community benefit across the Folkestone & Hythe district, with a priority for projects in Lydd and the Romney Marsh.

This fund will support projects in the following areas:
✅ Youth groups and schemes (including youth sports)
✅ Education
✅ Conservation & environment
✅ Community groups and wellbeing activities
✅ Energy saving and low‑carbon initiatives

Apply here 👉 https://kentcf.org.uk/eligibility-success -brooks

19/05/2026

🌱 What can learning partnerships achieve?

With support from the Learning Journey Fund, Youth Ngage Kent learned from ellenor Hospice - strengthening culturally inclusive wellbeing support for African and other ethnic minority communities in North Kent.

✨ The Learning Journey Fund enables staff and volunteers from Kent‑based charities to learn directly from national and international organisations, sharing insight and best practice across Kent. It helps charities invest in their people and turn learning into lasting community impact.

👉 Could your organisation benefit? Apply below.
👥 Know a charity this could help? Tag them below.

15/05/2026

📣 One week to go!

We’re pleased to announce that our Annual funding route re‑launches on 22nd May 2026 🎉

Following valuable feedback from applicants and partners, we’ve made some important eligibility updates which will come into effect from 22nd May 2026, helping ensure our resources are focused where they can make the greatest difference – supporting smaller and grassroots organisations across Kent and Medway.

🔗 Find out what’s changed across our funding routes, eligibility criteria and priority impact areas, plus key information for applicants: https://kentcf.org.uk/news/were-relaunching-our-annual-funding-route/

14/05/2026

🌿 It was inspiring to meet so many passionate groups and fellow funders at the Kent & Medway Environmental Funding Conference, hosted by Funding for All at Shorne Woods Country Park today.

Natalie and Kathy spoke about our grants of up to £6,000 for practical, community‑led environmental projects and offered 1‑2‑1 funding advice to local organisations working on climate action, biodiversity and sustainability.

👉 Couldn’t make the event but working on an environmental or sustainability project? Find out more about our environmental funding and apply here: https://kentcf.org.uk/resources/protect-kent-and-medway-s-natural-environment/

12/05/2026

The deadline to enter the Kent Charity Awards has been extended to this Friday.

Details below 👇

The Kent Charity Awards were launched to recognise and reward the great charities and individuals we have in Kent.