The Rochester Bridge Trust has pledged £100,000 to support charitable projects which will enrich the lives of people living in Kent and Medway
The Rochester Bridge Trust has been providing passage over, under or across the River Medway from medieval times to the present day. It has pledged £100,000 to be administered by experienced grant-makers Kent Community Foundation, to support charitable projects.
The Trust has pledged this funding for charitable organisations requiring financial support for projects that promote traditional crafts and skills improve the habitat or advance amateur sport on the River Medway.
Kent Community Foundation will consider applications of up to £10,000 for one of these three criteria:
- The promotion of traditional crafts and skills in the built environment, agriculture and the conservation of historic bridges.
- The advancement of environmental protection or improvement on the River Medway and its banks in in Rochester and Strood.
- Community development and advancement of amateur sport through access to and appropriate use of the River Medway.
Nicola Parks, Director of Charitable Projects, Rochester Bridge Trust, said, “We are delighted to be working with Kent Community Foundation. They have fantastic knowledge of grassroots organisations working for the benefit of the Medway community and we know their experience will ensure the money is directed to where it will have a profound impact.”
Bruce Topham, Grants Manager, Kent Community Foundation, said, “The team at Kent Community Foundation is looking forward to receiving applications for funding from The Rochester Bridge Trust. We understand that completing a funding application can feel a little daunting but we are here to help. There is lots of advice on our website and the team is very happy to answer calls or emails to offer support and advice.”
To contact Kent Community Foundation about funding for charities and community groups email admin@kentcf.org.uk or visit www.kentcf.org.uk/funding_support for advice on applying for funding.
About The Rochester Bridge Trust
The Rochester Bridge Trust was founded in 1399 and is the only surviving independent bridge trust that still serves its original purpose. The Trust owns and maintains the road and service bridges over the Medway at Rochester and has contributed to the cost of many other Medway crossings over the centuries. It makes charitable grants and supports other charitable and educational projects in Kent.
The Trust’s income derives from 14th and 15th century endowments, and assets are carefully managed to provide funds for bridge maintenance and future replacement as well as charitable activities. It provides its services entirely free to the public. The Trust receives no external funding and is regulated by the Charity Commission.
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 £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 one hundred 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.
