For Community and Environment Projects - Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund from KCF, February 2023

The Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund has been opened to support local charities and community groups near the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.

Through this funding, organisations can apply for grants to deliver schemes that:

• Encourage physical activity and increase public use of local green spaces
• Improve the health and wellbeing of local communities
• Improving signage and/or way-markings to increase accessibility for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders
• Help communities to connect with their heritage
• Support local communities to secure permanent employment in the wider Lower Thames Crossing potential supply chain
• Increase the use of technology to help local communities better understand the Lower Thames Crossing proposals and inspire future careers in construction.

Funded through the National Highways’ Designated Funds programme, this is a national initiative that is looking beyond managing the country's Strategic Road Network.

For the past few years, the funders have worked with stakeholders, Local Authorities, and others to fund local projects which have delivered lasting benefits for communities and environment.

Applications for the fund are being managed and handled by the Kent Community Foundation (KCF), where interested groups in Gravesham and Medway can apply through KCF’s website portal.

The Foundation say the deadline for applications is 28^th February 2023.

For more information and how to apply, visit the KCF website. You can also contact Natalie Smith, KCF's Director of Grants & Impact, by email at natalie@kentcf.org.uk for more details.