The Kingston Charitable Foundation, a local foundation operating across Kingston upon Thames, released its Impact Report 2021 over the weekend, including details of the 24 grants they awarded to support residents and charitable organisations across the borough. 

Prior to the charity's official launch in January 2021, Kingston Charitable Foundation operated as Love Kingston, a local fundraising project in the borough for eight years, before making the transition to independent charity. 

In its first twelve months of service, 24 grants have been awarded across eight categories directly benefitting 12,555 residents within the Kingston community

The categories cover food poverty, mental health, disability support, advocacy and support, sports access, community facilities and cohesion, the environment and direct support for individual families. 

Reflecting on the work done throughout the borough, the Kingston Charitable Foundation's CEO, Hicky Kingsbury explained how the team are proud of their initial efforts, but stressed work has only just begun. 

Speaking to Nub News she said: "It's been an incredible year for our organisation providing direct support to residents, through grants to amazing local charitable organisations in Kingston, in tailored and meaningful ways. 

"Thank you to our Trustee and Staff team for a wonderful year, we are very much looking forward to the year ahead where we will continue to build our Foundation for Kingston." 

No time for rest: Kingston Charitable Foundation are well underway with their plans for 2022. Hicky Kingsbury pictured during their Jubilee celebrations.

In a year where the world was ravaged by an unprecedented pandemic which has now led to a cost-of-living-crisis, 2021 saw Kingston Charitable Foundation awarding grants to local charities who were directly supporting residents who were particularly in need during Covid-19. 

Save the World Club has operated as a charity within Kingston for over 35 years, dedicated to facilitating eco-friendly uses of space, redistributing foods to vulnerable communities and promoting sustainable life choices. 

With funds provided by the Kingston Charitable Foundation, Save the World were able to invest in food hygiene and health training for volunteers.

Two key volunteers also had the opportunity to gain their PAT testing certification needed to safely test electrical equipment before being donated for re-use. 

A Save the World Club volunteer said: "It was crucial for me to get my PAT testing certification. I now feel fully confident in myself that every piece of electrical equipment we supply will be safe and I have since tested over 100 devices in six months to ensure those in need are getting reliable and quality ensured products." 

Save the World's sustainable electrical and food programmes supported by Kingston Charitable Foundation.

To view the Kingston Charitable Foundation's work across our borough, click here to view their 2021 Impact Report. 

Kingston Charitable Foundation would love you to make a donation to help support their grants programme, so the organisation can continue to strengthen their reach and continue to support those most in need.