The Ukrainian Support Fund Awards £45,000

KENT Community Foundation has awarded £45,000 from the Ukrainian Support Fund to organisations that are supporting Ukrainian Refugees in Kent.

The Ukrainian Support Fund was launched in 2022 with funding from the Masonic Charitable Foundation to help local charities and community groups supporting Ukrainian refugees’ social integration into the UK. Kent Community Foundation has distributed £45,000 to seven organisations, supporting family workshops, information hubs, weekend activities, and other socially inclusive initiatives.

The successful organisations were, Medway Plus, Canterbury 4 Ukraine, Craftship Enterprise CIC, Tunbridge Wells Welcomes Refugees, Invicta National Academy, Medway Help for Ukrainians and Romain Slovak Czech Community CIC.  

Natalie Smith, Director of Grants and Impact, Kent Community Foundation said:

“Kent Community Foundation was one of ten Foundations across England and Wales to receive a share of £485,000 from the Masonic Charitable Foundation to offer financial support to grassroots charities and community organisations that were preparing support for refugees arriving from Ukraine, funding the direct delivery of services and developing longer-term support for their integration. The £45,000 that has been awarded to the seven grassroots organisations will make a huge difference to the lives of Ukrainian refugees in Kent and Medway.”  

Giles Polglase from Canterbury for Ukraine (C4U) said:

“Canterbury for Ukraine brings local volunteers, charity organisations, education providers and local businesses together to support Ukrainian families coming to the Canterbury area in their search for safety – it is a truly community-based association run by volunteers who give their time freely. This award will both help coordinate the activities of C4U centrally and sustain activities over the next period; it will help us do more and remain responsive to the needs of Ukrainian displaced persons and their hosts.”

Though a year has passed since the invasion of Ukraine, its impact will undoubtedly last for many years and continue to inflict suffering on the millions of displaced Ukrainians around Europe. But sadly, Ukraine is but one of the many countries facing conflict and discrimination around the world, with thousands of people being forced to flee their homes every day. 

Les Hutchinson, Chief Executive of the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Freemason’s charity, said:

“I am delighted that we have been able to offer significant aid to many Ukrainians who have arrived in this country. They have abandoned everything in a country grappling with the consequences of a catastrophic conflict, and I am proud that the assistance provided by the Freemasons is making such a difference.”

To contact Kent Community Foundation about funding for charities and community groups call 01303 814500, email admin@kentcf.org.uk or visit: www.kentcf.org.uk/funding.