A charitable fund set up in name of an Ashford entrepreneur passes the £500k funding milestone.
The Frank Brake Community Fund, which was established through Kent Community Foundation in 2019, has over the last five years awarded more than half a million pounds in funding to small charitable organisations across the district of Ashford.
The largest district in Kent, Ashford, was the home of businessman Frank Brake who died in 2019. Frank was the food distribution pioneer who, with his brothers, built the successful international business Brake Bros. A Charitable Trust was established in his memory to support local and national causes. This legacy has now reached a significant funding milestone with £500k being awarded to support grassroots charities and community groups.
Since its launch, the fund has awarded over 130 grants supporting a range of causes which bring people together, including community halls, community farms, sports for younger generations, as well as foodbanks and cafes supporting those who typically face inequality and exclusion. These important grassroots organisations make a real impact on communities across Ashford.
Steph Senior, Chair of Trustees, commented, “Frank believed strongly in supporting local causes and we wanted to honour his wishes and build on the work he had done during his life to support the local community in Ashford and South East Kent. It’s fantastic to have surpassed the £500,000 mark, and without our partnership with Kent Community Foundation this would not have happened.”
Natalie Smith, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Grants and Impact said, “While it’s known as a prime location for commercial investment, Ashford faces a number of social and economic challenges in both urban and rural communities. We are thrilled that Frank’s family and trusted friends continue to embody his generosity with their commitment to supporting local people and places.”
The Frank Brake Community Fund has also responded to calls from the voluntary sector for funding which helps to cover core operating costs over multiple years by awarding Beacon Awards. They recently committed to delivering £15,000 spread across three years by awarding Beacon Awards to each of the following impactful Ashford-based organisations: Lily’s Social Kitchen CIC, Step-Out Outdoor Learning and Wye Community Farm.
To contact Kent Community Foundation about funding for charities and community groups email admin@kentcf.org.uk or visit www.kentcf.org.uk/funding
About Kent Community Foundation
Experienced grant-maker Kent Community Foundation is the organisation behind the organisations and has been finding, funding, and supporting some of the smallest voluntary groups in the county for over twenty three years. In this time, it has distributed almost £60 million to support thousands of small charities and deserving causes where a modest sum of money can make a significant impact.
Kent Community Foundation is part of a UK wide accredited network of forty-seven Community Foundations who are committed to improving the lives of local people and communities, particularly the most vulnerable, isolated, and disadvantaged by matching those who want to help, with those who need the help.
Responsible for more than ninety philanthropic funds, Kent Community Foundation is unrivalled in its knowledge of local causes and assists individuals, families, and businesses who want to help, to establish and administer their own charitable funds.
Kent Community Foundation funding priorities –
- 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.
3. Elderly and Isolated
Enabling elderly adults to stay well, healthy, independent and free from social isolation.
4. Employability, Skills & Enterprise
Creating opportunities to develop skills and confidence and have a positive impact in areas and groups of people with high unemployment.
5. Environment
Encouraging community action to improve and protect local spaces with support sustainable ways of living.
