2024 KCF Summer Garden Party

Kent Community Foundation celebrates £60m milestone with supporters at garden party

On Monday 16th September we hosted a garden party recently to thank our supporters for contributing nearly £60 million in funding since 2001, which has been awarded to charitable organisations across Kent and Medway.

Trustee and fund-holder Hugo Fenwick and wife Kate Fenwick DL welcomed guests including The Lord Lieutenant, Lady Colgrain, The High Sheriff, Dr Gillian Fargher and many valued fund-holders and supporters to the garden party at their home in Egerton. Mr Fenwick announced the recent completion of a £1 million endowment match challenge for environmental projects, raising a total of £2.2m and highlighted examples of some of the projects that could be supported from their Fenwick Family Fund in the future including Heart and Soil CIC and Abbey Physic Community Garden.

Thanking supporters, Chief Executive, of Kent Community Foundation Josephine McCartney emphasised the strength and importance of philanthropic support from individuals, families and businesses and its lasting impact on local communities throughout the county. Responsible for more than ninety philanthropic funds, Kent Community Foundation is unrivalled in its knowledge of local causes and is rightly very proud of the money that has been awarded to the charitable sector.

Andy Richardson CEO of Ashford-based Uprising Youth and Community CIO shared how they connect with disadvantaged young people to build self-respect and inspire hope in those who may otherwise feel a lack of purpose and direction.

In closing, Chair of Trustees Robert Sackville-West DL thanked guests for their commitment to local communities, and Hugo and Kate Fenwick DL for hosting the event.