The 2024 Kent Charity Awards are now open!
At a special event held at the home of the 2023 Kent Charity Award winners, Spadework, the sponsors and organisers of the highly-acclaimed Kent Charity Awards were delighted to announce the launch of the 2024 Awards.
In a room full of representatives from some incredible charities from across the County, the event included presentations from Kris Healey, CEO of Spadework, Susan Robinson, Head Judge and partner at Kreston Reeves who chatted through the judging process, and was followed by Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation (KCF) who gave valuable advice on how to apply for funding through the KCF.
All three speakers encouraged charities to ‘shout out’ about what they do, collaborate where possible with other charities and to ask themselves, what would happen if their charity didn’t exist, which is one of the questions asked in the KCA entry form.
The Kent Charity Awards were set up in 2015 to recognise and reward the hard work of charities, volunteers and trustees working in Kent. Since then, they have gone from strength to strength and are now the most important celebration of the third sector in the county. Charities, both large and small from across Kent can submit their entries and gain much deserved publicity for the incredible work they do.
You can also nominate someone for a Volunteer or Trustee of the Year award. These two popular awards acknowledge the dedication and involvement that a volunteer gives to their organisation. In Kent alone there are thousands of volunteers that deserve an award for their tireless commitment to the charity sector, so don’t forget to download the nomination form on the Kent Charity Awards website.
Speaking at the launch “ Kris Healey, CEO of Spadework said, “We were delighted to be asked to host the launch of the Kent Charity Awards 2024.
When Spadework was named Kent Charity of the Year in 2023 it was recognition of the hard work and commitment of our Trainees, staff, trustees and volunteers. The last few years have been challenging for us, as for many charities, with a growing demand for our services but with increased uncertainty around statutory funding. We provide meaningful opportunities for people with learning and other disabilities, people living with dementia and those experiencing problems with their mental health.
We are grateful to have the support of many Trusts and Foundations as well as businesses, community groups and individuals. This support has enabled us to continue to provide our services in these challenging times.
As a result of winning our award we have connected with many more people. In 2024, as we celebrate our 40th anniversary, it is the perfect time to showcase our charity through the lens of being Kent Charity of the Year.”
The Kent Charity Awards were founded by Josie Hage and Sarah MacDonald of Rise Communications. As event managers for several key business awards across the county they realised there wasn’t a single, countywide award scheme aimed at the third sector and wanted to do something to honour the commitment and hard work charities and voluntary groups do across Kent.
The KCAs are free to enter and open to charities both large and small who operate in Kent.
Deadline for entries is: Friday 19th April
Judging dates: late May early June
Gala evening: 5th September 24 (venue tbc)
A full list of categories and details on how to enter can be found at kentcharityawards.com.
The Kent Charity Awards are kindly sponsored by: Kreston Reeves, Medway Council, CCWorks, Kent Community Foundation, AMEY, CAF Bank, Financial Advice & Services, The KM Group and Brachers
Sarah MacDonald – 07786 261934
Jo Hage – 07734 050238