Kingston Charitable Foundation (KCF) is holding its next 'Meet the Funder' event, where charities can ask organisational-specific questions on how to apply, on 14 February. 

Launched in January 2021 (formerly Love Kingston), Kingston CF support volunteer-led and charitable organisations in the borough of Kingston through its generous £750 grant programme.   

CEO of this independent charity, Hicky Kingsbury, said: "We believe that when charities work together with joined up thinking they can better serve the community we share". 

"Everyone is so busy helping their service users but just to get [that] categorically nailed down is just so helpful for the local charities." 

Taking place on 'Love Kingston' day, the event will celebrate and thank charities for their work in the borough.  

Local charities and organisations can network, share ideas and exchange details with each other afterwards.  

"People need a clear message that we are here to help everyone share better," Hicky added. 

Following a previous 'Meet the Funder' event, River Thames Boat Project collaborated with a local refugee charity and received £750 to take 24 refugees on two enjoyable boat day trips. 

At this event, Hicky will lead a short presentation highlighting the grant programme and what Kingston CF does; then, Patriona Briggs - the Community Liaison for John Lewis Kingston - will speak about the volunteering/funding opportunities John Lewis offer. 

Launched in January 2021, Kingston CF was a new organisation on the back of Love Kingston. Its initial aim was to reach out to the community to find out who were the local heroes of Covid19.  

"We wanted to support as many organisations as possible in the then height of the pandemic," Hicky said.  

Kingston CF began with a £500 grant scheme in February 2021, and have awarded over a hundred grants to date.  

The (now) up to £750 grants programme supports both small organisations and larger local organisations, who would like to apply for funding for projects, and on behalf of individuals and families that use their services. Each charitable organisation can receive up to three grants per year (each grant requires a separate application). 

Grant categories to date have included: 

• Food Poverty and Support 
• Mental Health Support 
• Disability Support 
• Advocacy and Support 
• Movement and Sports Access 
• Community Facilities and Cohesion 
• Environment 
• Direct Support for Families 

Once funded, Kingston CF work with the organisations to monitor and evaluate delivery throughout the duration of the grant. This helps to ensure charities and organisations achieve what they set out to do.   

Additionally, as Kingston CF is a grant-funded organisation (by a City Bridge Foundation grant which supports team salaries and core costs), 90p in every £1 fundraised for or donated goes directly to their popular grants programmes.  Kingston CF's collaboration with its charities help provide evidence of impact when working to secure new funds.