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June 22, 2026
Across Kent and Medway, small charities are making a big difference. From restoring natural habitats to transforming neglected urban spaces, organisations with annual incomes of up to £1 million are creating greener, healthier places for communities to enjoy.
Despite often operating with limited resources, these groups are delivering impactful, community-led environmental projects that bring people together and create lasting change.
Many small and volunteer-led organisations face challenges when it comes to accessing funding. With limited time and capacity, applying for grants can feel like a significant hurdle.
Kent Community Foundation helps to break down these barriers through targeted environmental funding, designed to ensure support reaches grassroots groups. This funding helps local ideas grow into sustainable, long-term community assets.
Margate-based organisation wildernesstowonderland is one example of how funding can help a small idea flourish. The group works to transform public spaces into thriving, nature-rich environments.
Rory Waitt from wildernesstowonderland said:
“We started here with an idea and a couple of hand tools – it’s only through Kent Community Foundation’s help we’ve been able to grow, plan and be strategic and effective.”
Another example is Bon Volks CIC, which used funding to pilot a Materials Hub project. By reclaiming construction materials and repurposing them into bespoke furniture for local community organisations, the project has delivered both environmental and social benefits. Bon Volks CIC has already diverted more than 230 kilograms of material that would otherwise have been thrown away, thanks in part to funding from Kent Community Foundation.
Ross Walker from Bon Volks CIC said:
“This funding has been vital in helping us test our model, grow our work and strengthen connections across our network.”
These projects demonstrate how relatively small amounts of funding can unlock creativity, strengthen local networks and deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.
Kent Community Foundation also offer a dedicated Micro Grants programme for smaller organisations with an annual income under £100,000. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to support new ideas, core costs or essential equipment, helping groups take their first steps and grow with confidence.
Over the past 25 years, Kent Community Foundation has distributed more than £60 million in funding to over 7,000 local charities. The organisation supports groups with incomes of up to £1 million, with a strong focus on helping smaller charities thrive.
Natalie Smith, Director of Grants and Impact at Kent Community Foundation, said:
“You don’t have to be a large organisation to make a meaningful difference. Some of the most impactful environmental work we see is led by small, local groups who understand their communities best. We want to make sure those groups feel confident to come forward and access support.”
We are encouraging charities and community groups with ideas to improve their local environment to explore the funding opportunities available.
Click here for more information about funding for environmental projects.