Medway Businesses Award £18,000 to Local Charities at 'Dragon's Den' Funding Event

£18,000 was awarded to three vital local charities at a lively funding event hosted by the Medway Corporate Giving Fund, run by Kent Community Foundation.

 Held on September 9th, 2025, at Sun Pier House CIC in Chatham, the event saw the charities 'pitch' for donations in a friendly 'Dragon’s Den' environment. The panel, made up of local businesses and entrepreneurs, collectively pooled and distributed the funds to help Medway communities thrive.

The three charities presenting on the evening were:

• G.Beatz Nightclub: Provides inclusive, accessible social and physical activities to enhance the lives of disabled and neurodiverse individuals, aiming to reduce social isolation and empower participants.
• Home-Start Medway: Offers non-judgemental, tailored support to over 100 vulnerable families with children under 5 in the Medway area each year, delivered by trained volunteers who are parents themselves.
• Rochester Indoor Skatepark: Supplies a safe, supervised space for skateboarders, scooter, and BMX riders. The club supports youth development, engages with the community, and connects vulnerable young people with essential resources.

The Medway members were treated to heartfelt and engaging presentations from all three organisations and responded with incredible generosity. A grand total of £18,000 was awarded and shared amongst the charities.

Bruce Topham, Grants Manager at Kent Community Foundation comments: “It was a delight to once again bring together Medway's charities and business leaders. Events like this are crucial because it can be so hard for small local charities to gain access to funding. This collective approach makes a truly significant difference and directly enables them to continue their vital work.”

The Medway Corporate Giving Fund, expertly managed by Kent Community Foundation, is a powerful collective fund. By pooling annual donations from socially responsible local businesses and organisations, the Fund is able to proactively connect with and support innovative projects that make a real difference to those most in need in the local community. This collective and proactive approach amplifies the impact of each donation, ensuring a bigger, lasting change in Medway.

We are always on the lookout for new members, as every new donation increases the amount we can distribute to deserving causes in Medway. If you are a local Medway business or individual and would like to help make positive, lasting changes in your local community, you can find out more about the Medway Corporate Giving Fund here.