Kent Community Foundation has three distinct funding streams that offer support to individuals and families in need via referral from a professional. Whilst each stream has its own specific criteria, to apply to any of them the following four conditions must be met:
- The individual or family being nominated must be a resident of Kent or Medway
- There must be a demonstrable financial disadvantage underlying the request (e.g. the family are reliant on benefits or out of work for whatever reason)
- All nominations must be submitted by a professional third party
- The request is not for something that local/national authorities have a statutory duty to provide.
Ivy and Jane Charitable Fund
Nominate a young carer up to the age of 18, who looks after someone who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, or a drug or alcohol problem. Most young carers look after one of their parents or care for a brother or sister. The fund awards grants young carers nominated by a professional to be used for activities that the young carer might otherwise miss out on, thereby helping them to have enjoyable childhood experiences. Requests for essential capital items, for example a school uniform (though not laptops), will also be considered.
Examples of grants awarded: school residential trips, gym / leisure centre memberships, dance classes, theatre school, after school activities and sports club subscriptions and kit
Wards Estate Agents Charity Fund
Nominate a child, or young person up to 25 years old, with physical disabilities, long-term illnesses and/or life limiting conditions. Priority will be given to equipment that directly benefits the mental and physical health of the child. The fund will consider requests for equipment required due to disability and 'make a wish' holidays for terminally ill children.
Examples of grants awarded: wheelchair power packs, specialist buggies & trikes, sensory toys, tough / safe furniture & mattresses, car harnesses & specialist seats, therapy benches and epilepsy alarms.
Grassroots Carers Respite Fund
Nominate an adult caring for one or more individuals over the age of 18, who are seeking a break from their long-term caring responsibilities. The fund will consider requests for various forms of respite. Contributions towards travel costs to and from the break as well as a modest amount of spending money, if the request includes an overnight stay, will be considered. To be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Examples of grants awarded: short holidays (up to one week), weekend breaks, pamper days, day trips, evening classes, gym / swimming and other annual memberships.