We are delighted to announce the finalists for our 2026 Kent Charity Awards.
This year, we received a record number of entries, making the judging process even more challenging for our sponsors. After much deliberation, we are pleased to reveal this year’s finalists:
DISABILITY Charity of the Year
Kent Disability League
Kent Neuro Therapy Centre
Maidstone Mencap
Kent Association for the Blind
Kent Disability League
Kent Neuro Therapy Centre
Maidstone Mencap
Kent Association for the Blind
ANIMAL & ENVIRONMENT Charity of the Year
Kent Agricultural Society
Kent Wildlife Trust
Kent Agricultural Society
Kent Wildlife Trust
ANIMALS & THE ENVIRONMENT FOR WELLBEING
Team Tutsham Charitable Trust
Canterbury Oast Trust
Dandelion Time
Canterbury Oast Trust
Dandelion Time
CHILDREN’S Charity of the Year
My Shining Star
Includes Us 2
Children & Families
The Evie Dove Foundation
My Shining Star
Includes Us 2
Children & Families
The Evie Dove Foundation
CARE Charity of the Year
Imago Community
Mama to Mama
Preloved Reloved Cancer & Beyond
Rising Sun
COMMUNITY Charity of the Year
Oasis
Fusion Maidstone
21 Together
Dover Smart Project
Oasis
Fusion Maidstone
21 Together
Dover Smart Project
BEST USE OF VOLUNTEERS Charity of the Year
Age UK Sheppey
The Community Cupboard
Catching Lives
Kent Refugee Action Network
Age UK Sheppey
The Community Cupboard
Catching Lives
Kent Refugee Action Network
LARGE Charity of the Year
ellenor
Porchlight
Strode Park Foundation
Demelza
The Caldecott Foundation
MENTAL HEALTH Charity of the Year
Head in the Game
Waterside Parents Centre
Keep Talking Services
Kenward Trust
Head in the Game
Waterside Parents Centre
Keep Talking Services
Kenward Trust
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Paula Hollyer – Young Lives Foundation
Jordan Chan – various charity connections
Mark Carey – Amber Foundation
Traci Carbino – Sateda
Paula Hollyer – Young Lives Foundation
Jordan Chan – various charity connections
Mark Carey – Amber Foundation
Traci Carbino – Sateda
TRUSTEE OF THE YEAR
Lynne Sheridan – Abigail’s Footsteps
Lyndsey Stukalov-Stone – North Kent Mind
Lauren Rabbatts – Children & Families
Dr Christy Idahosa – Triumph of Grace Ministries
Katie Dove – The Evie Dove Foundation
Lynne Sheridan – Abigail’s Footsteps
Lyndsey Stukalov-Stone – North Kent Mind
Lauren Rabbatts – Children & Families
Dr Christy Idahosa – Triumph of Grace Ministries
Katie Dove – The Evie Dove Foundation
The sponsors and organisers would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who entered this year. Narrowing down the entries to just 34 finalists and 9 volunteers, was no easy task, as every charity demonstrates something truly remarkable.
Our thanks also go to everyone who nominated individuals in the Volunteer and Trustee of the Year categories.
The judges will now visit all of the above finalists, with the winners to be announced at the gala evening on 3rd September.