Kent Community Foundation

Charity Number: 1084361

Annual Expenditure: £5.5M
Kent, Medway

Contact Info

Website: www.kentcf.org.uk

Phone: 01303 814 500

Email: admin@kentcf.org.uk

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £60 million distributed since 2001
  • Success Rate: 75% (2023/24)
  • Decision Time: Up to 3 months from deadline
  • Grant Range: £250 - £6,000 (organisational grants)
  • Geographic Focus: Kent and Medway (England)

Contact Details

Website: www.kentcf.org.uk

Phone: 01303 814 500

Email: admin@kentcf.org.uk

Grants Team: Available for support via phone, email, or in-person meetings

Overview

Kent Community Foundation (charity number 1084361) was established in 2001 and has since distributed nearly £60 million in grants to hundreds of charities and deserving causes across Kent and Medway. As part of a UK-wide accredited network of 47 Community Foundations, KCF is responsible for managing more than 95 philanthropic funds. The foundation acts as a bridge between good causes in the county and individuals and organisations with the means and commitment to support them. Led by Chief Executive Catherine Glover since April 2025, who brings over 20 years of non-profit experience, the foundation prioritizes supporting small voluntary organisations helping local people realize opportunities and overcome challenges. In 2023/24, KCF achieved a remarkable 75% success rate for grant applications, representing an 8% increase from the previous year.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Micro Grants: £250 - £2,000 (for organisations with annual income under £75,000; rolling applications)
  • General Grants: £2,000 - £6,000 (for organisations with annual income under £3m, or under £75,000 for grants between £2,000-£6,000; rolling applications)
  • Annual Route Grants: Currently paused from 16th July 2025
  • Social Loans: £10,000 - £100,000 (Kent Social Enterprise Loan Fund - unsecured blended social loans for social enterprises and charities)

Applications use a “one form fits all” approach, with KCF actively matching applications to all relevant funds from their portfolio of 95+ funds. Organizations can submit one application online every six months.

Priority Areas

  • Children, Young People & Families: Supporting disadvantaged children and young people's physical and mental health, encouraging positive choices and staying safe
  • Vulnerable Adults: Helping those who may need extra care dealing with challenging issues or those at risk of social exclusion or discrimination
  • Elderly and Isolated: Supporting older people experiencing loneliness and isolation
  • Employability, Skills & Enterprise: Developing skills and economic opportunities
  • Environment: Environmental projects benefiting local communities

What They Don't Fund

  • Activities taking place in London boroughs of Bexley and Bromley, or any areas outside Kent County Council or Medway Council jurisdiction
  • CICs or Companies Limited by guarantee with PSCs with unequal powers
  • Schools (though applications from associated groups like “friends of” or PTFAs are permitted)
  • Statutory organisations unless clearly demonstrated the state has no obligation to fund the project
  • Retrospective funding for past activities - only future planned projects
  • Services that local/national authorities have a statutory duty to provide

Governance and Leadership

Chief Executive: Catherine Glover (joined April 2025)

Catherine has over 20 years in the non-profit sector with a strong track record of building high-impact partnerships and securing transformational funding. She previously held senior roles at the Eden Project, CDP, and the International HIV/AIDS Alliance.

Catherine states: “I am passionate about advocating for a healthy and vibrant civil society, along with guiding philanthropic individuals, families and businesses who want to feel confident and fulfilled in their giving. I strongly believe in the critical role small voluntary organisations play in helping local people to realise opportunities and overcome challenges.”

Chair of Trustees: Robert Sackville-West (Deputy Lieutenant)

Trustees include:

  • Munya Badze - Experienced in setting up the Enterprise Adviser Network in Kent
  • Kruti - Head of Policy at Cancer Research UK
  • Cheryl - Head of Finance and Resources at Gingerbread, Chartered Accountant with 20+ years experience
  • Kate Fenwick - Founder of Theobald Barber Ltd., Deputy Lieutenant in Kent, chairs Rochester Cathedral Trust

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Provide a professional referee not directly associated with your group

Assistance Available: The grants team can help applicants with limited computer access or disabilities via phone (01303 814 500) or email (admin@kentcf.org.uk).

Decision Timeline

  • Assessment period: Up to 3 months from the deadline date
  • Process: Grants team assesses applications after the deadline and presents eligible applications to a fund/panel
  • Notification: KCF contacts applicants with the decision

Applicants should submit applications with sufficient lead time before projects start.

Success Rates

  • 2023/24: 75% success rate (increase of 8% from previous year's 67%)
  • Approximately 1 in 4 applications is unsuccessful for various reasons including ineligibility, poor quality, or insufficient funds
  • Goal: 20% of all grantees should be first-time applicants

Reapplication Policy

  • Organizations can submit one application every six months
  • Unsuccessful applicants can reapply after the six-month period
  • Feedback is available upon request - KCF does not provide feedback automatically but will do so if specifically asked

Application Success Factors

Direct Advice from the Funder

  • Do not submit multiple forms for the same project - KCF uses a “one form fits all” policy and actively matches applications to relevant funds
  • Contact the grants team if unsure about eligibility or which form to complete - they know which fund is right for your organisation
  • Allow sufficient time before your project starts, as decisions take up to 3 months
  • Request feedback if unsuccessful - this is not provided automatically but available on request
  • Ensure all documentation is correct before submission (can be attached to form, emailed, or posted)

Recently Funded Projects Examples

  • Shapeshifter Productions' Smiling Sessions - Participatory music project bringing chronically lonely older people together through song
  • Unity Roots CIC - £4,000 grant to operate music studio two days a week for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • Uprising Youth and Community's Hang10 Project - Free weekly sport activity sessions
  • FEAST - £21,250 grant for core running costs and food purchases for community larders and lunches
  • Home-Start Dover - Support Family Groups and Family Support Worker salary
  • Community compost scheme - £4,642 award

Common Reasons for Rejection

  • Ineligibility (wrong location, organisation type, or project type)
  • Poor quality application
  • Insufficient funds available in relevant fund streams
  • Retrospective funding requests

Standing Out

  • Demonstrate clear need and impact in Kent/Medway communities
  • Show alignment with KCF's priority areas (Children & Families, Vulnerable Adults, Elderly, Employability, Environment)
  • Provide comprehensive supporting documentation
  • Use professional, knowledgeable referees
  • Focus on community-led action and small voluntary organisation impact
  • Ensure project addresses specific local needs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Outstanding success rate: With 75% of applications funded, KCF is one of the more accessible funders - ensure you meet basic eligibility requirements before applying
  • One application covers all funds: Don't overthink which specific fund to apply to - KCF's team will match your application to all 95+ relevant funds
  • Six-month application window: Plan strategically as you can only apply once every six months, so make your application count
  • Feedback culture: If unsuccessful, always request feedback to strengthen future applications
  • Long decision timeline: Factor in the 3-month decision window when planning project start dates
  • Small organisation focus: KCF strongly values supporting small voluntary organisations - emphasize community-led action and grassroots impact
  • Geographic specificity: Ensure your work is clearly within Kent or Medway boundaries (excludes Bexley and Bromley)
  • Relationship approach: Don't hesitate to contact the grants team for guidance - they actively encourage pre-application contact

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

References

  1. Kent Community Foundation official website - Funding page: https://kentcf.org.uk/funding
  2. Kent Community Foundation - Application Process: https://kentcf.org.uk/apply/process
  3. Kent Community Foundation - Technical Tips: https://kentcf.org.uk/apply/tips
  4. Kent Community Foundation - FAQs: https://kentcf.org.uk/apply/faqs
  5. Kent Community Foundation - What We Can't Fund: https://kentcf.org.uk/funding_support/what-we-cant-fund
  6. Kent Community Foundation - About: https://kentcf.org.uk/about
  7. Kent Community Foundation - Team: https://kentcf.org.uk/about/team
  8. Kent Community Foundation - Trustees: https://kentcf.org.uk/about/trustees
  9. Charity Today News - “Kent Community Foundation Appoints Chief Executive”: https://www.charitytoday.co.uk/kent-community-foundation-appoints-chief-executive/
  10. Kent Community Foundation Impact Report 2023/24 reference: LinkedIn post, December 2024
  11. Charity Commission Register - Kent Community Foundation (Charity Number 1084361): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1084361