Charitable fund set up in name of Ashford entrepreneur passes £500k milestone

The Frank Brake Community Fund, established through Kent Community Foundation in 2019, has awarded more than half a million pounds in funding to small charitable organisations across the district of Ashford.

The largest district in Kent, Ashford, was the home of Frank Brake. Frank was the food distribution pioneer who, with his brothers, built the successful international business Brake Bros (now known as Brakes). Frank established a Charitable Trust to support local and national causes in his memory. This fund is part of his legacy and has now reached a significant level of funding awarded to grassroots charities and community groups, where even modest sums help to make an impact on local people.

Since its beginning, the fund has awarded over 130 grants supporting a range of causes which bring people together, including community halls, community farms, sports for younger generations, as well as foodbanks and cafes supporting those who typically face inequality and exclusion.

Steph Senior, Chair of Trustees, commented “Frank believed strongly in supporting local causes and we wanted to honour his wishes and build on the work he had done during his life to support the local community in Ashford and South East Kent. It’s fantastic to have surpassed the £500,000 mark, and without our partnership with Kent Community Foundation this would not have happened.”

Natalie Smith, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Grants and Impact said: “While it’s known as a prime location for commercial investment, Ashford faces a number of social and economic challenges in both urban and rural communities. We are thrilled that Frank's family and trusted friends continue to embody his generosity with their commitment to supporting local people and places.”

The Frank Brake Community Fund has also responded to calls from the voluntary sector for funding which helps to cover core operating costs over multiple years by awarding Beacon Awards. They recently committed to delivering £15,000 spread across three years by awarding Beacon Awards to each of the following impactful Ashford-based organisations: Lily’s Social Kitchen CIC, Step-Out Outdoor Learning and Wye Community Farm.