Our average grant size is £5,000 and we are particularly interested in supporting small community groups.
We manage over 80 funds on behalf of our donors. If you or want your application to be considered across more than one of the funds listed below or have more than one project you wish to apply for, please contact us on 01303 814 500 before undertaking another application.
If you need any support with the online forms please contact us on 01303 814 500.
Our Themed Funds are open all year round and decisions are made every 3 months.
Average grants size up to £5,000 (£7,500 may be considered for exceptional applications). Next Application Deadline: 31st August 2019.
Applications submitted between 1st March 2019 and 31st May 2019 will receive decisions by 31st August 2019
Applications submitted between 1st June 2019 and 31st August 2019 will receive decisions by 30th November 2019
Applications submitted between 1st September 2019 and 30th November 2019 will receive decisions by 28th February 2020
Priority will be given to groups with an annual income up to £1 million.
Projects which raise the aspirations and increase the skills and opportunities of people who are far from the labour market. The aim of the Employment, Skills & Enterprise Themed Fund is to make a real difference to the lives of people who are far from the labour market. The theme supports projects working with young people/ NEETs, young parents, ex-offenders, ex-forces, those with financial barriers and those with learning disabilities, mental health issues or physical disabilities. We look for projects that provide accredited training, apprenticeships, meaningful work experience and life skills/employment skills workshops for the disadvantaged. The theme supports strategic projects which aim to prevent young people from becoming NEETs.
Average grant size £5,000.
Projects that help vulnerable adults stay well and independent, with a focus on early intervention projects to tackle disadvantage, deprivation and social exclusion. A vulnerable person is someone who may need care and is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation. Someone may not appear visibly vulnerable, but there are many people in our communities who need extra support or protection, such as people with a learning difficulty, physical disability, living with a mental health issue, victims of abuse, care leavers, refugees and asylum seekers, ex-offenders and carers.
The Vulnerable Adults Themed Fund exists to support projects that are working to look after and promote the safety, well-being and independence of vulnerable adults. We support projects that give vulnerable people the opportunity to socialise with others; combatting isolation and social barriers. Through this theme we provide life skills and work experience for adults with learning difficulties, physical disabilities, or mental health issues. The theme protects victims of abuse and integrates marginalised groups in to the wider community. It supports carers who look after family members or loved ones at home, including offering respite or social activities.
Average grant size £5,000.
Local projects that address the challenges faced by elderly adults and support people to stay well, healthy and independent and, most importantly, combat social isolation. There are considerable challenges associated with an ageing population including loneliness, isolation and illness. Our Elderly and Isolated theme supports projects that give elderly adults the opportunity to have regular social interaction, such as social activities, ‘men’s shed’ projects or lunch clubs. It provides practical support to older people living alone, such as one-to-one befriending schemes or transport services enabling them to get out and about. We fund inter-generational activities; enable older people to use their skills and experience to make a contribution to their communities; and offer activities that encourage participation in sport and physical activity or opportunities to participate in arts and culture such as choirs or museums.
Average grant size £5,000.
Projects that are making a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Kent and Medway. Projects supporting young people who are disadvantaged which might include: living in poverty or deprivation, abuse or neglect, disability, young carers, children in care, bereavement, mental health issues, disability, low aspiration or poor achievement. From early intervention work, such as parent workshops and parent-toddler cooking classes, to youth clubs and mentoring programmes for young people at risk; we support a broad spectrum of projects that ensure young people and their families can access activities and support from which they might otherwise be excluded.
Average grant size £5,000.
If you need any support with the online forms please contact us on 01303 814 500.
Projects with a focus on reducing offending and re-offending rates or encouraging entrepreneurship among young people and the disadvantaged. Projects providing musical opportunities or countryside activities for disadvantaged children.
The Gatwick Foundation Fund is open to charities, social enterprises, community groups and voluntary organisations working in West Kent, specifically the boroughs of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling and in particular, Sevenoaks.
The maximum grant available is £10,000 for exceptional projects, although we anticipate many successful applications will be for less than this amount.
The Fund will prioritise projects which promote:
Grants may be used to fund existing services and facilities or new initiatives. Applications from groups who have not applied before are particularly encouraged.
There may also be the possibility for successful projects to receive support from Gatwick employees – either a general volunteering contribution or specific skills.
Please contact admin@kentcf.org.uk for further information on the Gatwick Foundation Fund.
Local community Projects/Groups within 10 kilometres of the Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm.
The Port of Dover Community Fund has been established to benefit the Dover community. We are seeking projects in two key areas:
Skills & Jobs – projects that provide opportunities to develop skills, support people on the pathway into employment and assist job creation, with a particular focus on young people.
Community - activities that enrich the social, cultural and environmental life of local communities, enhancing Dover as an attractive and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
All applications must demonstrate a long-term sustainable impact on Dover, improved quality of life for all and the needs of Dover’s young people, with a particular emphasis on aspiration, education and employability. Successful projects will bring people together, raise aspirations and standards within Dover and promote a pride in the community and place.
All projects need to show how they will benefit the Dover community and will be evaluated in terms of the impact they can demonstrate they are likely to have. Priority will be given to projects that can explain how they will make a sustainable difference. Applicants are encouraged to set out any match funding they have raised or plan to raise. One off events will be considered but applicants will need to demonstrate their long-term benefit to the community.
The panel would like to see evidence that local events are coordinated to avoid duplication and maximise impact. Consideration will be given to funding exceptional projects over three years, focusing on delivering long-term sustainable outcomes within Dover. Applications from individuals will not be considered. Geographical reach: Dover and its immediate environs.
If you have any questions please contact us at admin@kentcf.org.uk
The fund will support projects for children, young people and families, participation in sports, improvements to community facilities such as village halls and community centres, volunteering, employability, the elderly and the disabled in South East Kent with a priority given to Ashford.
Funding for charities, community groups or social enterprises supporting people living in Kent and Medway (as defined by the ME postcode) and have an income of £250,000 or under in the most recent financial year.
Projects should meet one of the following themes:
• Improving people’s personal finance capabilities (debt and financial advice/education)
• Improving physical and/or mental health
• Providing support which enhances, creates and sustains positive family relationships
• Addressing issues of low educational attainment and improving learning outcomes
• Providing people with opportunities to reduce inequality, exclusion and disadvantage, including projects which increase access to employment.
Priority will be given to small, community organisations in areas of social, financial and welfare disadvantage.
The Pargiter Trust Fund will provide grants to not-for-profit organisations who are providing support to elderly people living in Kent and Medway who are over 65 years of age.
The Fund will support projects meeting one or more of the following themes:
• Improving health & well-being – Reducing isolation, providing hot meals and refreshments and helping older people to stay active through sports, arts, recreation, social clubs and volunteering;
• Improving access to facilities, advice and training – Providing transport, supporting projects providing respite for carers, supporting Good Neighbourhood and befriending schemes and improving access to information and IT for older people, particularly where this involves intergenerational work;
• Overcoming problems - Helping elderly people who are experiencing difficult circumstances due to an illness, injury, disability, bereavement or financial difficulty; The fund will focus providing grants to smaller, grassroots groups (as opposed to larger organisations). The Fund would like to be active in areas of greatest need in Kent and will prioritise underrepresented BAME and LGBT groups where possible. By exception the fund will also consider potential requests that meet the theme of innovation.
The Fund is open all year round and decisions are made three times a year.
Local community groups and charities working to achieve positive social outcomes, using early intervention where possible, tackling disadvantage, deprivation and social exclusion. This fund is specifically seeking to fund small grassroots groups with an annual income of below £100,000.
Volunteer led groups working in Canterbury, Herne Bay and surrounding areas with preference for projects supporting children and young people.
Projects that aim to protect, conserve and enhance the use and character of the rural landscape and its communities. Funding will be considered for native planting e.g. trees/hedgerows in areas accessible to the public.
Projects providing respite breaks for unpaid carers. This application form is for groups of carers wishing to take time out from their caring role organised by charities or community groups which cater for carers.
For individuals wishing to apply for funding for respite breaks, please see our individual funding page for information on submitting a nomination form.
APPLY THROUGH THEMED FUNDS
This fund supports projects across Kent and Medway, working around four broad themes – Children Young People & Families, Elderly & Isolated, Employability, Skills & Enterprise and Vulnerable Adults. Project and core costs considered, as are small capital requests. Decisions are made quarterly.
Applications up to £5,000 from locally-based charities - apply to Kent Community Foundation. The trustees of The Lawson Trust sometimes award larger grants by invitation only - contact Hayley Corker in the first instance at enquiries@lawsontrust.org
You can apply to Lawson twice a year, six months apart, via our themed funds. Your application will be considered by the Lawson panel, and by any other KCF panels which we think may be interested in it. Please note Lawson is unlikely to fund the same organisation more than once in a year – whether directly or via Kent Community Foundation.
If you are not sure whether to apply via Kent Community Foundation or direct to Lawson, please contact natalie@kentcf.org.uk for advice
The Nationwide Building Society Community Grants programme is offering community grants of up to £50,000 for local housing projects that will make a real, local impact.
Projects should meet one of these objectives:
To find out more visit www.nationwide.co.uk/communityfunding
To discuss your application please contact Natalie Smith via 01303 815 159 or natalie@kentcf.org.uk
To support disadvantaged young people (secondary school age and up) within a 10 mile radius of Cranbrook. Particular, although by no means exclusive, interest in agriculture/farming related projects.
To causes related to children up to the age of 18, with priority given to small organisations and Thanet-based projects.
Grants usually up to £5,000 but consideration up to £10,000 will be given for exceptional applications.
For Guidance Notes click here.
Applications accepted from local community groups, charities and social enterprises to fund projects working with children and young people, plus projects providing support to the elderly across Kent and Medway.
Capital and infrastructure projects that strengthen robust, registered charities with a solid track record over at least three years. Minimum income more than £100K, grant request must be less than 10% of this total income. Equipment, new construction, renovation and expansion will be considered, alongside strategic IT projects and consultancy (for example, to give specialist input to mergers/planning). Applicants must show how they will use the investment to achieve significant measurable outcomes in terms of new levels of achievement, efficiency and sustainability i.e. money saved, increased number of beneficiaries, increase in hours of service delivery, quality of intervention increased, additional income generated etc. Click here for more information about the fund guidelines.
Please call to speak to Natalie Smith, our Director of Grants & Impact, on 01303 815 159, to discuss your project before filling out the application form.
Organisations that either provide youth opportunities improve general welfare of their community, promote conservation and preservation of habitats or preservation of heritage skills. Grants of £500 to £5,000 will be awarded to small charities and charitable organisations. Priority is for organisations with an annual income of under £200,000.
Projects with a focus on reducing offending and re-offending rates or encouraging entrepreneurship among young people and the disadvantaged. Projects providing musical opportunities or countryside activities for disadvantaged children.
The Gatwick Foundation Fund is open to charities, social enterprises, community groups and voluntary organisations working in West Kent, specifically the boroughs of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge & Malling and in particular, Sevenoaks.
The maximum grant available is £10,000 for exceptional projects, although we anticipate many successful applications will be for less than this amount.
The Fund will prioritise projects which promote:
Grants may be used to fund existing services and facilities or new initiatives. Applications from groups who have not applied before are particularly encouraged.
There may also be the possibility for successful projects to receive support from Gatwick employees – either a general volunteering contribution or specific skills.
Please contact admin@kentcf.org.uk for further information on the Gatwick Foundation Fund.
Local community Projects/Groups within 10 kilometres of the Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm.
The Port of Dover Community Fund has been established to benefit the Dover community. We are seeking projects in two key areas:
Skills & Jobs – projects that provide opportunities to develop skills, support people on the pathway into employment and assist job creation, with a particular focus on young people.
Community - activities that enrich the social, cultural and environmental life of local communities, enhancing Dover as an attractive and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
All applications must demonstrate a long-term sustainable impact on Dover, improved quality of life for all and the needs of Dover’s young people, with a particular emphasis on aspiration, education and employability. Successful projects will bring people together, raise aspirations and standards within Dover and promote a pride in the community and place.
All projects need to show how they will benefit the Dover community and will be evaluated in terms of the impact they can demonstrate they are likely to have. Priority will be given to projects that can explain how they will make a sustainable difference. Applicants are encouraged to set out any match funding they have raised or plan to raise. One off events will be considered but applicants will need to demonstrate their long-term benefit to the community.
The panel would like to see evidence that local events are coordinated to avoid duplication and maximise impact. Consideration will be given to funding exceptional projects over three years, focusing on delivering long-term sustainable outcomes within Dover. Applications from individuals will not be considered. Geographical reach: Dover and its immediate environs.
If you have any questions please contact us at admin@kentcf.org.uk
The fund will support projects for children, young people and families, participation in sports, improvements to community facilities such as village halls and community centres, volunteering, employability, the elderly and the disabled in South East Kent with a priority given to Ashford.
Funding for charities, community groups or social enterprises supporting people living in Kent and Medway (as defined by the ME postcode) and have an income of £250,000 or under in the most recent financial year.
Projects should meet one of the following themes:
• Improving people’s personal finance capabilities (debt and financial advice/education)
• Improving physical and/or mental health
• Providing support which enhances, creates and sustains positive family relationships
• Addressing issues of low educational attainment and improving learning outcomes
• Providing people with opportunities to reduce inequality, exclusion and disadvantage, including projects which increase access to employment.
Priority will be given to small, community organisations in areas of social, financial and welfare disadvantage.
The Pargiter Trust Fund will provide grants to not-for-profit organisations who are providing support to elderly people living in Kent and Medway who are over 65 years of age.
The Fund will support projects meeting one or more of the following themes:
• Improving health & well-being – Reducing isolation, providing hot meals and refreshments and helping older people to stay active through sports, arts, recreation, social clubs and volunteering;
• Improving access to facilities, advice and training – Providing transport, supporting projects providing respite for carers, supporting Good Neighbourhood and befriending schemes and improving access to information and IT for older people, particularly where this involves intergenerational work;
• Overcoming problems - Helping elderly people who are experiencing difficult circumstances due to an illness, injury, disability, bereavement or financial difficulty; The fund will focus providing grants to smaller, grassroots groups (as opposed to larger organisations). The Fund would like to be active in areas of greatest need in Kent and will prioritise underrepresented BAME and LGBT groups where possible. By exception the fund will also consider potential requests that meet the theme of innovation.
The Fund is open all year round and decisions are made three times a year.
Local community groups and charities working to achieve positive social outcomes, using early intervention where possible, tackling disadvantage, deprivation and social exclusion. This fund is specifically seeking to fund small grassroots groups with an annual income of below £100,000.
Volunteer led groups working in Canterbury, Herne Bay and surrounding areas with preference for projects supporting children and young people.
Projects that aim to protect, conserve and enhance the use and character of the rural landscape and its communities. Funding will be considered for native planting e.g. trees/hedgerows in areas accessible to the public.
Projects providing respite breaks for unpaid carers. This application form is for groups of carers wishing to take time out from their caring role organised by charities or community groups which cater for carers.
For individuals wishing to apply for funding for respite breaks, please see our individual funding page for information on submitting a nomination form.
APPLY THROUGH THEMED FUNDS
This fund supports projects across Kent and Medway, working around four broad themes – Children Young People & Families, Elderly & Isolated, Employability, Skills & Enterprise and Vulnerable Adults. Project and core costs considered, as are small capital requests. Decisions are made quarterly.
Applications up to £5,000 from locally-based charities - apply to Kent Community Foundation. The trustees of The Lawson Trust sometimes award larger grants by invitation only - contact Hayley Corker in the first instance at enquiries@lawsontrust.org
You can apply to Lawson twice a year, six months apart, via our themed funds. Your application will be considered by the Lawson panel, and by any other KCF panels which we think may be interested in it. Please note Lawson is unlikely to fund the same organisation more than once in a year – whether directly or via Kent Community Foundation.
If you are not sure whether to apply via Kent Community Foundation or direct to Lawson, please contact natalie@kentcf.org.uk for advice
The Nationwide Building Society Community Grants programme is offering community grants of up to £50,000 for local housing projects that will make a real, local impact.
Projects should meet one of these objectives:
To find out more visit www.nationwide.co.uk/communityfunding
To discuss your application please contact Natalie Smith via 01303 815 159 or natalie@kentcf.org.uk
To support disadvantaged young people (secondary school age and up) within a 10 mile radius of Cranbrook. Particular, although by no means exclusive, interest in agriculture/farming related projects.
To causes related to children up to the age of 18, with priority given to small organisations and Thanet-based projects.
Grants usually up to £5,000 but consideration up to £10,000 will be given for exceptional applications.
For Guidance Notes click here.
Applications accepted from local community groups, charities and social enterprises to fund projects working with children and young people, plus projects providing support to the elderly across Kent and Medway.
Capital and infrastructure projects that strengthen robust, registered charities with a solid track record over at least three years. Minimum income more than £100K, grant request must be less than 10% of this total income. Equipment, new construction, renovation and expansion will be considered, alongside strategic IT projects and consultancy (for example, to give specialist input to mergers/planning). Applicants must show how they will use the investment to achieve significant measurable outcomes in terms of new levels of achievement, efficiency and sustainability i.e. money saved, increased number of beneficiaries, increase in hours of service delivery, quality of intervention increased, additional income generated etc. Click here for more information about the fund guidelines.
Please call to speak to Natalie Smith, our Director of Grants & Impact, on 01303 815 159, to discuss your project before filling out the application form.
Organisations that either provide youth opportunities improve general welfare of their community, promote conservation and preservation of habitats or preservation of heritage skills. Grants of £500 to £5,000 will be awarded to small charities and charitable organisations. Priority is for organisations with an annual income of under £200,000.
MASSIVE 'thank you ' to everyone at Kent Community Foundation. Your funding support is HUGELY appreciated and has enabled us to get into the heart of local communities with REAL, affordable, healthy and tasty food that does so much more than feed people.
Community chef Mike Spackman, Sheppey Matters
KCF's enthusiasm for what we are doing and hoping to do, coupled with helpful advice, gave us the confidence to take this daunting step which has paid off.
Liz Turner, Octopus Foundation
It's great having a foundation that empowers organisations and charities in our community to make real positive differences and changes!
Tom, MMK Mind