Kent Community Foundation Garden Party at Knole House

Kent Community Foundation Garden Party at Knole House

On Thursday 4 September 2025, Kent Community Foundation welcomed fund-holders, donors, trustees, and supporters to a very special Summer Garden Party at historic Knole House in Sevenoaks, home of their Chair of Trustees, Robert Sackville-West DL.

The evening was both celebratory and relaxed, giving the Foundation the opportunity to thank those who make their work possible and to introduce new friends to the impact of philanthropy across Kent and Medway. Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés in the beautiful gardens while hearing inspiring words from Robert Sackville-West DL, Kent Community Foundation’s Chief Executive Catherine Glover, fund-holder Francis Salway, and grantee Henu Cummins from Mid-Kent Mind.

Robert Sackville-West DL welcomed guests to his home and introduced Catherine Glover, who spoke about the huge difference funding makes to the organisations that Kent Community Foundation support. Explaining the different needs across the county with some sobering statistics to encourage those present to support the Foundation’s work.

Francis Salway talked about the endowment fund he holds with his wife, why he chose Kent Community Foundation to manage his fund and why endowments are so very important to secure the future of funding for organisations.

Henu Cummins talked about the strong links between Mid-Kent Mind and Kent Community Foundation and how the Foundation is the lifeblood of the third sector in Kent and Medway and a beacon of hope for so many. She shared with guests that the support Mid-Kent Mind got from the Foundation team was exceptional, and that working with them had been the starting point on the road to recovery for her organisation.

The garden party was a chance to thank and reflect on the incredible generosity of those who support Kent Community Foundation and the lasting difference being made in communities across the county.