Displaying loader icon image
Displaying masthead oval background image

Grant-Maker, Kent Community Foundation has supported a marine conservation educational project for young people in Folkestone

Big Blue Foundation received £4,449.00 from Kent Community Foundation’s Environmental Fund to deliver a marine conservation educational project to young people in Folkestone and purchase seven kayaks.

The charitable organisation applied for funding for their conservation project, in the hope of engaging more than 1,500 children at The Folkestone Sea Sports Centre with learning around marine environment, recycling and circular economy. The project will enable children to collect, sort and process marine plastics during outdoor activities like kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.

Howard Foster, CEO, Big Blue Foundation said of the project, “During these enrichment activities the children will learn about different aspects of the local marine ecosystem, how they can make a positive impact on their environment, what the circular economy is and how they can make a positive difference.

“The recycled waste plastic will be shipped to our sustainable manufacturing partners Odyssey Innovation and Circular11 to be incorporated into new products, including kayaks, outdoor furniture and building materials. The sale of some of these products that return to be used in Folkestone will create a sustainable income stream to the charity that will be used to fuel the growth of our activities, thereby 'closing the loop' on this Circular Economy project.”

Natalie Smith, Director of Grants and Impact and Deputy Chief Executive, Kent Community Foundation said, “In their application, Big Blue were clear about their desire to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and conservation to the local economy and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. We were impressed with their plan to educate, engage and empower young people to look after their local environment and the people within it.”

In 2023, Folkestone Sea Sports Centre hosted around 1,550 children and the Big Blue project aims to provide an enrichment experience to local children in 2024. The water and land-based conservation activities are designed to help alleviate eco-anxiety in children by empowering them to take positive action that directly benefits the environment while improving their physical and mental well-being.

Are you looking for funding? Complete our eligibility checker to see if you are eligible.

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