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October 13, 2026
Established in 2014 through a gift in the will of Thanet businessman Albert Burns, the fund was created with a clear purpose: to support smaller children's charities and community organisations that often lack the resources and profile of larger national charities, but whose work is vital to local families.
Since its launch, the Albert Burns Children's Fund has distributed more than £470,000 through 105 grants, supporting organisations that help children and young people across Kent.
Albert entrusted his legal advisers, Boys & Maughan Solicitors, with ensuring his wishes were carried forward. Working alongside Kent Community Foundation, the firm has helped turn his vision into lasting support for children and young people across Kent.
A partnership delivering lasting impact
Working in partnership, Kent Community Foundation and Boys & Maughan Solicitors help ensure Albert's generosity reaches local charities and community groups.
Recently, Andrew Baker and Jonathan da Costa from Boys & Maughan joined Rachèle Verrier, Grants Manager at Kent Community Foundation, on visits to two organisations supported by the Albert Burns Children's Fund, seeing first-hand the difference it continues to make.
Andrew Baker, Senior Partner at Boys & Maughan Solicitors said:
“Visiting Mama to Mama and Cliftonville Community Centre brought home just how much smaller organisations contribute to the lives of local children and families. It was particularly rewarding to meet the people behind this work and see what they are achieving. Our partnership with Kent Community Foundation is so important because their knowledge of local needs and their relationships with smaller charities help ensure Albert's generosity reaches organisations where it can make a real difference.”
As Thanet's only baby bank, Mama to Mama provides essential items, hosts free wellbeing groups, and offers extended support for local parents and carers. The charity provides a vital lifeline for vulnerable babies and children, helping families welcome their little ones into the world with real dignity, hope, and confidence.
Jayne Furniss at Mama to Mama said:
"It’s so humbling to think that someone we never even got to meet or thank in person is still making such a difference, helping local babies and children get the best possible start in life in Thanet."
Some of the children and young people benefiting from activities and support at Cliftonville Community Centre today were not even born when Albert Burns made the decision to leave a gift in his will. Yet his generosity continues to create opportunities, build confidence and strengthen community connections.
Elaine McCarthy at Cliftonville Community Centre said:
"It was wonderful to welcome representatives from Boys & Maughan Solicitors and Kent Community Foundation to see first-hand the difference the Albert Burns Children's Fund is making in our community. We're deeply grateful that his legacy lives on through support for organisations like ours."
Rachèle Verrier, Grants Manager at Kent Community Foundation, said:
"Meeting the people behind the projects supported by the Albert Burns Children's Fund brought Albert's legacy to life. Seeing the difference this funding continues to make in local communities is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact a gift in a will can have. Working closely with Boys & Maughan Solicitors, we've been able to ensure Albert's wishes continue to support grassroots organisations that are making a real difference for children and families across Kent."
Creating change beyond a lifetime
Through his foresight and generosity, Albert Burns created something that extends far beyond a one-off donation. Every grant awarded in his name helps ensure children have access to the support they need to thrive, and his commitment to helping children remains as relevant today as it was when he made his wishes known.
Jonathan da Costa, Partner at Boys & Maughan Solicitors said:
“Albert was very clear about what he wanted his legacy to achieve. He wanted to help smaller charities supporting children, particularly those without the resources or profile of larger organisations. We were entrusted with carrying out his wishes, and it is enormously rewarding to see the difference the fund continues to make, more than a decade on. What makes his legacy particularly special is that his generosity can continue benefiting children and families for many years to come.”
Leave a legacy that lives on
The Albert Burns Children's Fund is one example of how a gift in a will can continue supporting local communities for generations.
Whether you're looking for funding to support your work or exploring ways to create a lasting charitable legacy, we can help connect generosity with local need. Find out more about leaving a legacy gift or establishing a charitable fund on our website or please email hello@kentcf.org.uk