Kent Community Foundation is highlighting the impact local charities are having on the environment and encouraging more groups to come forward with their projects.
Across Kent and Medway, charities with incomes of up to £1 million are creating greener spaces, restoring natural habitats and bringing communities together around environmental action.
From transforming neglected urban areas to delivering sustainable education projects, these organisations are making a tangible difference in the places people live.
Despite their impact, many smaller and volunteer-led groups face barriers when it comes to accessing funding. With limited time and resources, applying for grants can feel like a daunting step.
Through its targeted environmental funding, Kent Community Foundation helps ensure support reaches these local organisations, enabling ideas to grow into lasting community assets.
Rory Waitt from Margate’s wildernesstowonderland, where volunteers transform public spaces, 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.”
In another example, Bon Volks CIC used funding to pilot a Materials Hub, transforming reclaimed construction materials into bespoke furniture for local community organisations.
The project diverted 236kg of material from landfill, while creating paid work, developing skills and supporting local groups to improve their spaces.
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.”
Kent Community Foundation also offers 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 its 25-year history, Kent Community Foundation has distributed more than £60 million in funding to over 7,000 local charities, supporting organisations with incomes of up to £1 million, with a strong focus on helping smaller groups to 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 deeply. We want to make sure those groups feel confident to come forward and access support.”
Kent Community Foundation is encouraging charities and community groups with ideas to improve their local environment to explore the funding opportunities available.
For details email [email protected]
Or visit www.kentcf.org.uk
