The Ivy and Jane Charitable Trust Fund Celebrates 20 Years

This year, the Ivy and Jane Charitable Trust Fund celebrates its 20th anniversary, a wonderful milestone, during which more than £700,000 in grants have been awarded to support young carers across Kent and Medway.

The Ivy and Jane Charitable Trust Fund is one of over 100 philanthropic funds managed by Kent Community Foundation on behalf of generous individuals, families, and businesses.

Established in 2005, the Ivy and Jane endowment fund was created as a way to improve the lives of young carers across Kent and Medway. The endowment structure allows income generated from the capital to be withdrawn each year, ensuring sustainable, long-term giving.

Since its launch, the Fund has supported 242 individuals and 137 organisations which support young carers, including the charity Imago, which in 2024 reported having supported over 11,000 young carers. Imago delivers a countywide service for children aged 5–18 who provide care for a parent or sibling with illness, disability, mental health issues, or substance misuse. Over the years, Imago has received nearly £250,000 from the Ivy and Jane Charitable Trust Fund to help deliver vital support, respite, and opportunities for young carers.

Ivy and Jane Fund-holder said, “As we mark 20 years of the Ivy and Jane Charitable Trust Fund, we are immensely pleased with the positive impact it has had on the lives of many young carers across Kent and Medway. All aspects of running a fund are managed with great efficiency by the Kent Community Foundation team. They take care of the administration, identify and verify requests from the types of causes we care about, and present them for consideration. As Endowment Fund-holders, this means we can focus on the joy of giving, knowing that the process is simple, effective, and truly making a difference.”

Catherine Glover, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation, added: “For two decades the Ivy and Jane Charitable Trust Fund has been a shining example of how philanthropy can transform lives in our county. Local giving is at the heart of thriving communities, and through funds like Ivy and Jane, individuals are able to make a lasting difference for thousands of people who might otherwise go without support. Over the years, this fund has provided more than £700,000 in grants to initiatives supporting young carers across Kent and Medway, a group who often shoulder enormous responsibilities at a young age. Our partnership with fund holders is absolutely key to this impact. By working together, we can ensure that vital resources reach the grassroots organisations best placed to support those in need. We are proud to stand alongside our fund holders, whose generosity continues to inspire and strengthen Kent.”