Voluntary groups can learn how to maximise their chances of succeeding with vital grant applications at a charity networking event next month.

Grant expert and Social Enterprise Kent deputy chief executive Rebecca Smith will share her expert recipe for winning funding from charitable trusts and institutional bodies at a special workshop at The KM Charity Team’s Charity Forum.

She will be joined by Kent Community Foundation (KCF) funds manager Bruce Topham, who will give an overview of his organisation and exactly what makes a good funding application.

The forum, which is free to attend, takes place at Ashford International Hotel on October 4.

Mrs Smith, who has 14 years of voluntary sector experience, will provide hints and tips on writing funding applications, where to find funding streams, and evidencing the need for charities and projects.

She said: “In a world of decreasing budgets, diversifying funding streams is ever more important.

“It’s great to get the opportunity to speak to Kent and Medway charities and social enterprises about helping them to worry less about getting the money in and more about delivering their core activities of helping people and communities.”

Mr Topham will give a run-down of the KCF’s current range of available funding options, including core funding, and offer top tips on choosing the right funding for different charities’ activities.

He said: “At Kent Community Foundation, we recognise that it can be increasingly difficult and very time-consuming for smaller organisations to access funding, especially core funding.

“We hope our presentation will equip local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups with the knowledge to navigate their way through the funding process, and allow those who are looking for funding to come and talk to us directly so we can share our expertise and hopefully match them with some suitable funding.”

The forum is an opportunity for charities and parent-teacher associations to network, find out how the KM Charity Team can support them, and attend workshops that will also address communications and employment law.

Selected good causes will be presented with the Kent Charity Mark in recognition of the contribution they make to the county.

KM Charity Team founder Simon Dolby will present a workshop on public relations, and share tips on fine-tuning KM Charity of the Year applications.

And Amanda Okill, a senior associate at Kent law firm Furley Page, will give a presentation on the importance of diversity in the workforce at an employment-law workshop. She will be joined by Sean Rodwell, a charity specialist at Kent accountancy and financial services firm Kreston Reeves.

Find out more about the forum here or by contacting the KM Charity Team on 0844 264 0291.