Birketts Charitable Fund awards nearly £25,000 to local communities

The Birketts Charitable Fund, one of more than 100 philanthropic funds managed by Kent Community Foundation, has awarded almost £25,000 to four grassroots organisations in its first funding round.

The Fund is dedicated to supporting charities and community groups working to improve lives across Kent and Medway, with a focus on strengthening local communities and addressing need where it matters most.

Through this latest round of funding, a diverse range of projects will be supported, each helping people to build skills, improve wellbeing and feel more connected within their communities.

Supporting people to thrive

Among the organisations receiving funding is Communigrow, a community-led charity in East Malling using horticulture to support wellbeing, skills development and social inclusion. The grant will enable the delivery of a targeted employability programme for young adults aged 18–25 who are neurodiverse or at risk of becoming not in education, employment or training (NEET), helping them gain practical, job-ready skills.

Joshua Piercey from Communigrow, said:

“The need for support for our Young Roots programme was really acute, because that cohort of young people had mostly self-referred - we'd never specifically targeted that beneficiary group, they just started showing up! This funding will provide dedicated staff time and resources supporting these young people and refining our programme.”

Lily’s Social Kitchen CIC, based in Canterbury, will use the funding to expand its employability programmes for neurodiverse people and those with learning disabilities. Through supported work placements and tailored training, the organisation helps individuals develop confidence, independence and the skills needed to access and sustain employment.

In north Kent, Shorne Young Farmers Club will create permanent animal enclosures and improve outdoor spaces, enabling more young people, including those with special educational needs, to take part in hands-on activities that build confidence, teamwork and responsibility.

Louisa Williams from Shorne Young Farmers said:

“Shorne Young Farmers are incredibly grateful to receive funding through the Birketts Charitable Fund. This grant will enable us to rebuild our purpose-built, fox-proof animal enclosures and runs, helping us move forward as a group and expand the opportunities we provide for vulnerable young people to learn valuable life skills through caring for animals and experiencing farming activities. This investment will make a lasting difference, ensuring our animals are kept safe while allowing more young people to benefit from the confidence, responsibility, and wellbeing that come from hands-on involvement in farming and animal care.”

Meanwhile, Spadework, a charity in West Peckham, will use the funding to support its core running costs, ensuring it can continue delivering practical, skills-based programmes for adults with learning and physical disabilities, as well as those experiencing mental health challenges or living with dementia.

Tracey Thompson from Spadeword said:

“Spadework enables people to be more independent, to feel less isolated and to live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. We are delighted and grateful that the Birketts Charitable Fund has chosen to support our work. Their grant will have a real impact through supporting the delivery of all the activities we offer for people living with dementia, adults with learning and other disabilities, carers and those who would like to improve their wellbeing or are navigating bereavement.”

Partnership and purposeful giving

Vanda James from Birketts LLP said:

“We are pleased to have awarded the first grants from the Birketts Charitable Fund in Kent. At Birketts we are dedicated to supporting the local communities in which we operate, and the Birketts Charitable Fund is a key feature of that support. We are delighted to have established this relationship with Kent Community Foundation to enable us to distribute grants to grassroots organisations who are doing such valuable work across the county and look forward to continuing to support other organisations in the years to come.”

Catherine Glover, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation, said:

“The Birketts Charitable Fund is a powerful example of how partnership and purposeful giving can make a lasting difference. By supporting grassroots organisations, this funding is helping people to build confidence, develop skills and feel more connected in their communities. We are proud to work alongside the Fund to ensure its philanthropy reaches where it is needed most.”

Click here to find out more about setting up a philanthropic fund, visit or email hello@kentcf.org.uk.