Children, families and the elderly are among those who have benefited from thousands of pounds in funding in the past six months.

North West Kent Volunteer Centre, which covers Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley, was awarded £5,000, Dartford Citizens Advice Bureau received £5,785, a donation of £1,495 was made to Dartford’s Choices, formerly North Kent Women’s Aid, and 5th Dartford Scouts were presented with £750.

All the funding came from Kent Community Foundation (KCF) which helps to identify and support small groups that focus on children, young people and families, the elderly and vulnerable adults and employment, skills and enterprise and who may struggle with fundraising.

KCF chief executive officer Carol Lynch said: “These are real grassroots projects working with people in a variety of locations, but all following one of our three core themes.

“Supporting these smaller charities and projects means we can really help our donors to make a difference locally and help to deliver change in Kent.

“Supporting children and young people for example who are Kent’s future means we can help them to grow into confident and mature adults who realise their potential and make a valuable contribution. We want all children to be happy and safe but we also want them to have equal opportunities to learn and develop.”

Set up in 2001, KCF is part of a national network of foundations encouraging generous philanthropists, whether individuals, families or businesses, to give. To date, it has distributed more than £26m.

For more information call KCF on 01303 814500 or visit www.kentcf.org.uk