Kent Community Foundation (KCF) is 10 years old this year, and is no ordinary charity. We exist to improve the lives of the people and communities of Kent and Medway, particularly the most vulnerable, isolated and disadvantaged. We encourage local Kent Philanthropists - generous individuals and companies - to give something back and support the needs of their local community.
Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our Kent Philanthropists, last year Kent Community Foundation provided financial support to over 500 worthy charities and good causes across the county. That equalled £2.6 million distributed in grants, bringing the total funds distributed since KCF was born, 10 years ago, to over £13 million. Kent, "The Garden of England", has its share of hardship and deprivation. A look at the Kent County Council and Medway Council latest figures show the bald facts: Findings / Summary
Thanet is within England's 20% most deprived districts
Thanet has 25.7% of children in poverty. This is higher than the national average of 20.9%. (2008, ONS, HMRC)
11% of Kent's Lower Super Output Areas are within England's 20% most deprived LSOAs
Medway is in England's 50% most deprived local authorities
As well as seeking out many new good causes for funding, KCF assesses each application and, if suitable, proposes them to our generous Philanthropists, in-line with their individual priorities and specific areas of philanthropy. This might include a cause close to the Philanthropist's heart, such as young carers; or a particularly pressing community need, such as tackling poverty; or helping ex-offenders fulfill their potential; or protecting and enhancing the rural landscape.
The one thing our beneficiaries have in common is that they are working to improve the lives of people and communities in Kent. The one thing our Philanthropists have in common is that they care deeply about the people and communities of Kent.
Michael Head, founder of Crown Products in Herne Bay, holds The Crown Charitable Fund with Kent Community Foundation and says: "Making money is hard, and giving it away is harder." KCF provides the administrative, research and advisory service to our donors, managing their charitable funds to ensure maximum tax efficiency.
Our warm appreciation goes to all those people supported by our Funds on the ground - the wonderfully brave, inspiring, dedicated groups and individuals, who are delighted when they are told that we have the funds to help them with their project.
Kent Community Foundation, part of a network of nearly 60 Community Foundations in the UK www.communityfoundations.org.uk, connects local donors with local causes that matter.
