Kensington and Chelsea Foundation

The Foundation funds a range of causes including children and young people, mental health, skills and employment, education, and reducing isolation, as well as community development, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, environment, and heritage. It supports the costs of project delivery, equipment, salaries, core costs, and events. The Foundation concentrates its funding within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with a particular emphasis on the south of the borough and minoritised or excluded communities.

Registered charities, community interest companies, unincorporated associations, community groups, schools, and faith groups can apply. The Foundation prioritises grassroots organisations working with minoritised or excluded communities, including ethnic minority communities, disabled people, homeless people, LGBTQ+ individuals, children, young people, and older people. Applicants must deliver projects that directly benefit people who live, work, or study in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with some programmes focused on specific areas like the Earls Court site.

The Foundation does not fund statutory services, religious or political activities, foreign travel, or expenditure that has already taken place. It also excludes projects that benefit people outside its defined local area, and does not support applications from individuals. Some programmes may have additional exclusions, such as core costs for certain grant types.

The Foundation offers both one-off and multi-year grants, including support for core costs and project costs. It welcomes unsolicited applications and uses a participatory approach where local residents help shape funding decisions. Some programmes require match funding, and the Foundation also provides capacity building support. Its funding style is collaborative, responsive, and aimed at strengthening local community organisations.