We support thousands of small charities and voluntary groups across Kent and Medway.
Grants awarded through Kent Community Foundation are usually up to the value of £5,000, though some specific funds will award greater amounts. We support grassroots organisations who create a significant difference to the lives of local people through relatively small grants. This is all made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, families and businesses who are committed to communities across our county. Grants support a number of primary issues in the county, contributing to costs for specific projects and / or everyday running costs.
Please note that there will be a short period at the start of 2024 where we will be pausing applications for funding.
As part of our plans to make sure we are fit for the future, we are introducing a new IT system through which we manage applications for funding. So that we can move our data carefully and train our team members, we will temporarily close application for funding.
You should start any new applications before 12pm (Midday) Friday 8th December and submit any in-progress applications before 12pm (Midday) Sunday 31st December 2023.
You can find the full information with frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guidance on what to do next if you are thinking of applying for funding.
Supporting a sustainable and strong voluntary sector
We recognise that there are significant and sustained financial pressures on organisations, especially smaller groups who already operate on a low income.
Our focus is on unrestricted grants, including multi-year core funding. We are generally unable to offer rapid emergency or crisis funding to prevent organisations under imminent threat from closing.
We are facilitating the Infrastructure Support Fund, funded by Kent County Council, which brings together organisations who offer support to voluntary organisations across various areas, including financial planning, leadership training, volunteering, fundraising and, partnerships and collaboration.
See www.kentcf.org.uk/infrastructure-support-fund for further detail.
Our commitment to the voluntary sector and local communities remains steadfast, and our mission to connect those who care with local causes that matter will continue to be at the heart of what we do.
Our focus
We channel our funding to smaller organisations with strong, democratic governance operating in Kent and Medway. This means we are unable to fund activity in the London boroughs of Bexley and Bromley nor work delivered by companies ( CICs/limited by guarantee) with Persons with Significant Control or any organisation with an income (average over three years) more than £5M.
Book a one-to-one with our Grants Team
Our Grants Team is running monthly advice sessions for applicants – either virtual or face to face – where you can ask an experienced and friendly expert about anything related to applying to KCF for funding.
To book a slot, please email kathryn@kentcf.org.uk