The Kent Foundation Annual Report and Impact Review 2025/2026
The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Contents
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Trustees' Report | 3-11 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 12 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 13 |
| Comparative Statement of Financial Activities | 14 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 15 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 16-21 |
| The following pages do not form part of the statutoryaccounts | |
| One Page Highlight for Funders | 22 |
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Trustees Report
Chair’s Foreword
The 2025/26 financial year represents a period of consolidation and preparedness for The Kent Foundation following significant organisational change in the previous year. Having successfully transitioned to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status and celebrated our 40th anniversary, the charity has focused on embedding strong governance, maintaining service quality, and positioning itself for sustainable future growth.
Throughout the year, the Board’s priority has been to ensure that the Foundation remains financially responsible, well-governed and firmly focused on delivering public benefit. We are encouraged by the continued commitment of our volunteer mentor community, and by the confidence shown in the organisation by our funders and partners.
The activity outlined in this report reflects the collective effort of our mentors, Trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters. On behalf of the Board, I thank everyone who has contributed to the Foundation’s work during the year.
As we look ahead, we do so with confidence in the charity’s mission, people and direction.
Stephen Wise Chair of Trustees
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Director’s Review
The 2025/26 year has been one of delivery, consolidation and preparation. Following a period of structural transition, our focus has been on maintaining consistent, high-quality support for young entrepreneurs while strengthening the systems and partnerships needed for future growth.
During the year, we continued to deliver one-to-one business mentoring, training and networking support to young people aged 18–40 across Kent. Demand for mentoring remained strong, reflecting both economic conditions and the value young people place on trusted, impartial support.
During the year, our core mentoring offer was complemented by funded place-based programmes including Grow in Gravesham and Dartford Means Business, alongside continued work with schools, colleges and local partners. These programmes extended our reach, helped young entrepreneurs access practical start-up and growth support.
We also focused on organisational development, embedding our CRM system, strengthening safeguarding and data management processes, and improving how we evidence outcomes and impact. These changes ensure we remain compliant, accountable and able to demonstrate value clearly to funders and stakeholders.
I am grateful to our Trustees for their oversight and challenge, our volunteer mentors for their time and expertise, and our partners for their continued trust. Together, we are building a resilient and credible organisation that delivers long-term benefit to Kent’s communities.
Caroline Hallett
Director
Registered Charity Number: 1208109
Legal Form: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Governing Document: CIO Constitution
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Trustees’ Report
Objectives and Public Benefit
The Kent Foundation exists to support young people aged 18–40 in Kent to start, sustain and grow businesses through free mentoring, training and networks.
The charity’s objectives are:
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To advance education and training
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To promote entrepreneurship and economic development
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To recruit, train and support a skilled volunteer mentor community
The Trustees confirm they have had due regard to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit throughout the year.
Activities and Programmes
Volunteer Mentor Development
Recruitment, training and ongoing support for volunteer mentors, with strong emphasis on safeguarding and quality.
One-to-One Business Mentoring
Free, confidential mentoring tailored to each entrepreneur’s needs and stage of business.
Start-Up and Early-Stage
Support for individuals testing or launching ideas, including structured online training.
Growth and Scale Support
Mentoring focused on leadership, strategy, finance and sustainable growth.
Community, Events and Networking
Events and partnerships that encourage connection, confidence and peer learning.
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Achievements and Performance (2025/26)
During the year, the Foundation maintained high engagement across mentoring and training activities. Performance was monitored using participation data, mentor feedback and qualitative outcomes.
The year’s activity demonstrates both breadth and depth of support: the Foundation continued to serve young entrepreneurs across Kent while also delivering targeted local programmes that responded to specific community and economic development priorities.
200 154 63 Supported 18-40 yr. olds Matched Mentees New Mentees onboarded and matched
100
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Mentors New Mentors Trained Programme Ambassadors
Grow in Gravesham Project
160
20
37
1-2-1 Sessions Mentor Matched Grant Awards
34
12
120
Start Up Attendees Workshops Workshop Attendees
Dartford Means Business Project
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£4,500
Business Start ups Distributed pitch prizes for winning matched with Mentors businesses at March 2026’s showcase day
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Feedback
Hear how our Mentees, Mentors and Trustees have been impacted:
“ ” I was matched with a fabulous mentor who helped develop my confidence & made me think differently about my business. The support has helped me achieve things I didn’t believe were possible Hannah Catchlove, Fond Company
“ ” The day-to-day aspects of running our business was poor, we had no idea! Our business mentor enabled us to fill the gaps and help us to start growing the business - we wouldn’t be here without them Karl Cowell, The Wix Guys
“ ” Without the Kent Foundation I wouldn't know about 60% of what I needed to know about running my business! I would highly recommend them, they have been amazing!
Sophie Shepherd, Devoted Homecare Ltd
“ ” One mentee grew his business so strongly that his reputation led to him being headhunted by a local creative team. Seeing the shift in his confidence was just as powerful as seeing his business succeed. Beth Turner, Volunteer Mentor
“
” I feel a great sense of pride being part of something with this level of longevity (40 years) in a challenging sector. I value the work the Kent Foundation does, and I am proud to support it as a trustee. I value the commitment of the mentors who give their time and experience, and the determination of the mentees who use that support to build the confidence and capability to go out on their own. Simon Mahon, Volunteer, Trustee & Treasurer
“ Over the last five years, I’ve mentored around six entrepreneurs across different ” industries and have seen first-hand the real, measurable impact mentoring can have, not just on their businesses, but on their confidence, skills, and lives. Linda Garcia – Volunteer & Trustee
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Partnerships and External Profile
The Foundation worked in partnership with local authorities, education providers and delivery organisations across Kent. These partnerships strengthened place-based delivery and alignment with local economic priorities.
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity is governed by a Board of volunteer Trustees responsible for strategy, compliance, financial oversight and risk management.
Day-to-day operations are led by the Director and supported by outsourced professional services and volunteers.
Trustees serving during the year:
Mr Stephen Wise (Chair)
Mrs Linda Hayes De Garcia (Vice Chair)
Mr Simon Mahon (Treasurer)
Mrs Lesley Game Retired 7[th] April, 2026
Mr Mike Pay
Mrs Elizabeth Jenkins
Mrs Gail Parker Joined 25[th] November, 2025
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Financial Review
Financial Position
The charity has generated incoming resources totalling £138,223, of which £51,324 was unrestricted, and £86,899 was restricted. Expenditure amounted to £117,393, of which £54,810 was unrestricted and £62,583 was restricted. A transfer from restricted funds to unrestricted funds of £6,083 occurred, resulting in a net surplus for the year of £20,830, consisting of a surplus of £2,597 on unrestricted funds and a surplus of £18,233 on restricted funds.
These compared to the previous year's incoming resources totalling £95,126, of which £52,876 was unrestricted, and £42,250 was restricted. Expenditure amounted to £91,929, of which £61,010 was unrestricted, and £30,919 was restricted. A transfer from restricted funds to unrestricted of £4,421 occurred, resulting in a net surplus for the year of £6,910, consisting of a deficit of £3,713 on unrestricted funds, and a surplus on restricted funds of £6,910.
The charity operated with a minimal staffing structure, outsourcing administrative, financial, and social media functions. Financial sustainability was supported through project-specific funding and strategic partnerships.
Reserves Policy
The trustees have established a reserves policy to ensure the charity’s financial resilience and ability to continue its activities in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It is the policy of the charity to maintain unrestricted reserves equivalent to three months of normal operating expenditure. The trustees consider this level to be appropriate to:
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Provide a safeguard against fluctuations in income or unexpected increases in expenditure
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Ensure continuity of charitable activities and commitments to beneficiaries
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Allow sufficient time to adjust operations in response to changes in funding or demand.
At 31st March 2025 the charity held unrestricted reserves of £32,299, which represents approximately 5 months of operating costs. The trustees are satisfied that this is in line with the stated policy and provides a prudent level of financial security.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
The Kent Foundation transitioned from an unincorporated trust (charity number 291559) to a CIO on 1 October 2024. The charity operates in accordance with its Governing Document, the Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Foundation Model), as approved by the Charity Commission.
Governance is overseen by a Board of Trustees, who meet regularly to review strategy, performance, and compliance. Day-to-day operations are managed by Caroline Hallett, our Director with the support of outsourced professionals and volunteers. Risk management procedures are in place, including safeguarding, data protection, and financial controls.
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Trustee Selection Methods
The Board of Trustees undertakes recruitment and appointment processes designed to ensure a diverse and skilled membership. As part of our commitment to robust governance and continuous improvement, The Kent Foundation conducts regular skills audits to ensure that board members, staff, and volunteers collectively possess the competencies required to fulfil their roles effectively and to identify areas for strategic development and succession planning.
Trustee appointments are made with regard to the needs identified through these audits, ensuring the Board maintains the expertise necessary to oversee the charity’s activities and fulfil its charitable objects.
Legal Compliance Statement
The Kent Foundation confirms that it has complied with its legal obligations under charity law during the financial year ending 31 March 2025. Specifically:
The charity operated in accordance with its governing document following its transition to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 1 October 2024.
Trustees have acted in accordance with their legal duties, including:
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Ensuring the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit
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Complying with the charity’s governing document and the law
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Acting in the charity’s best interests
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Managing the charity’s resources responsibly
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Acting with reasonable care and skill
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Ensuring the charity is accountable.
Financial records and reporting have been maintained in accordance with Charity Commission guidance, and the accounts for 2024/25 have been prepared in line with the applicable accounting standards.
The charity has filed all required returns and updates with the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies. Data protection practices have been reviewed and updated in line with the implementation of a new CRM system, ensuring compliance with UK GDPR.
The trustees are satisfied that the charity remains in good standing and continues to meet all statutory and regulatory requirements.
Independent Examiner
Fern Murphy MAAT
Abel Accounting Services Ltd
10A Long Beech, Ashford, Kent, TN23 4XU
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Plans for 2026/27
Trustee priorities include:
Maintaining mentoring capacity
Delivering funded programmes and contracts
Expanding and diversifying the mentor base
Strengthening impact reporting and sustainability
Pilot project: working with Armed Forces families
Pilot project: a one-day conference showcasing youth entrepreneurship
These pilots will allow the Foundation to test targeted approaches, build new partnerships and generate evidence for future funding applications, while ensuring that new activity remains aligned with the charity’s core mentoring mission.
The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Mr Stephen Wise (Chair)
17[th] July 2026
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Kent Foundation CIO
For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Kent Foundation CIO
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Kent Foundation CIO (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Responsibilities and Basis of Report
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent Examiner's Statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and contents of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Fern Murphy MAAT
Abel Accounting Services Ltd
10A Long Beech, Ashford, Kent, TN23 4XU
12 June 2026
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Statement of Financial Activities
For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
| 2026 | 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted funds |
Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS | |||||
| FROM: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 4 | 201 | - | 201 | 300 |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 50,800 | 86,899 | 137,699 | 94,590 |
| Investments | 6 | 323 | - | 323 | 236 |
| 51,324 | 86,899 | 138,223 | 95,126 | ||
| EXPENDITURE ON: | |||||
| Charitable activities | 7 | (54,810) | (62,583) | (117,393) | (91,929) |
| NET INCOME | (3,486 ) | 24,316 | 20,830 | 3,197 | |
| Transfers between funds | 17 | 6,083 | (6,083) | - | - |
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | 2,597 | 18,233 | 20,830 | 3,197 | |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 32,299 | 10,120 | 42,419 | 39,222 | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 17 | 34,896 | 28,353 | 63,249 | 42,419 |
The notes on pages 16-21 form part of these financial statements.
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Comparative Statement of Financial Activities
For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 4 Charitable activities 5 Investments 6 EXPENDITURE ON: Charitable activities 7 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) Transfers between funds 17 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 17 |
2025 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ 300 - 300 52,340 42,250 94,590 236 - 236 52,876 42,250 95,126 (61,010) (30,919) (91,929) |
|---|---|
| (8,134) 11,331 3,197 4,421 (4,421) - (3,713) 6,910 3,197 |
|
| 36,012 3,210 39,222 32,299 10,120 42,419 |
The notes on pages 16-21 form part of these financial statements.
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Statement of Financial Position
As At 31 March 2026
| Notes CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 14 NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds TOTAL FUNDS 17 |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds £ £ 1,124 7,000 34,972 42,403 |
2026 2025 Total funds Total funds £ £ 8,124 38,501 77,375 38,004 |
|---|---|---|
| 36,096 49,403 (1,200 ) (21,050 ) |
85,499 76,505 (22,250 ) (34,086 ) |
|
| 34,896 28,353 |
63,249 42,419 |
|
| 34,896 28,353 |
63,249 42,419 |
|
| 34,896 28,353 |
63,249 42,419 |
|
| 28,353 10,120 34,896 32,299 |
||
| 63,249 42,419 |
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
Notes to the Financial Statements
For The Year Ended 31 March 2026
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. General Information
The Kent Foundation CIO is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1208109. The principal address is:
c/o Swift Accountancy, 6 Hembrow, Evegate, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SX.
2. Statement of Compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)", Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities Act 2011.
3. Accounting Policies
3.1. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
On 1 October 2024, the activities, assets and liabilities of The Kent Foundation (charity number 291559) were transferred to a newly established Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The CIO is considered a continuation of the former charity, as the purposes, beneficiaries, and activities have remained the same and the transfer was made at book value.
In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the financial statements have been prepared using the principles of merger accounting to present a true and fair view. As a result:
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The prior year comparative information presented relates to the former charity.
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The current year Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet present the results and position of the continuing organisation as if it had always operated in its current form.
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To aid comparability, the results for the split period in 2024 have been presented as a full year.
3.2. Going Concern Disclosure
The trustees have not identified any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
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2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
3.3. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
3.4. Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
3.5. Donated Goods and Services
Kent County Council donates officers' time for directorial and administrative duties for which no monetary amount has been included in these accounts.
3.6. Resources Expended
Liabilities are recognised as resources expended when there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure.
3.7. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
3.8. Government Grant
Government grants are recognised in the statement of financial activities in an appropriate manner that matches them with the expenditure towards which they are intended to contribute.
Grants for immediate financial support or to cover costs already incurred are recognised immediately in the statement of financial activities. Grants towards general activities of the entity over a specific period are recognised in the statement of financial activities over that period.
Grants towards fixed assets are recognised over the expected useful lives of the related assets and are treated as deferred income and released to the statement of financial activities over the useful life of the asset concerned.
All grants in the statement of financial activities are recognised when all conditions for receipt have been complied with.
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2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
4. Income from Donations and Legacies
| Donations and gifts . Income from Charitable Activities General activities Grants, included above, are as follows: Kent County Council University of Kent Henry Smith Charity Dartford Council GrowInGravesham |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 50,800 86,899 |
2026 2025 Unrestricted funds Total funds £ £ 201 300 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 2025 Total funds Total funds 137,699 94,590 |
||
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 50,800 - - - - - - 15,200 - 71,699 50,800 86,899 |
2026 2025 Total funds Total funds 50,800 50,800 - 1,000 - 10,000 15,200 21,000 71,699 11,250 137,699 94,050 |
5. Income from Charitable Activities
Grants, included above, are as follows:
6. Investment Income
| Bank interest receivable 7. Analysis of Expenditure General activities |
Activities undertaken directly Grant funding of activities (see note 8) £ £ 72,950 25,250 |
2026 2025 Unrestricted funds Total funds £ £ 323 236 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Support costs (see note 9) Total £ £ 19,193 117,393 |
||
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2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
| Activities undertaken directly Grant funding of activities (see note 8) £ £ General activities 61,476 14,400 8. Grants Payable General activities Grants paid to institutions, included above, are as follows: Yo Street Zone Other grants (individually immaterial) 9. Support Costs General administration 10. Independent Examiner's Remuneration Independent examination of the financial statements |
Activities undertaken directly Grant funding of activities (see note 8) £ £ 61,476 14,400 |
2025 Support costs (see note 9) Total £ £ 16,053 91,929 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 2025 Grants to Institutions Grants to Institutions £ £ 25,250 14,400 |
||
| 2026 2025 £ £ - 10,000 25,250 4,400 25,250 14,400 2026 2025 £ £ 19,193 16,053 |
||
| 2026 2025 £ £ 560 840 |
||
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The Kent Foundation
2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
11. Staff Costs
Staff costs were as follows:
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs |
2026 2025 £ £ 55,000 52,891 - 1,044 1,821 1,296 56,821 55,231 |
|---|---|
No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.
12. Average Number of Employees
Average number of employees during the year was: 1 (2025: 1)
13. Debtors
| Due within one year Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2026 2025 £ £ 5,000 34,250 3,124 4,251 8,124 38,501 |
|---|---|
14. Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
| Trade creditors Other taxes and social security Other creditors Accruals Deferred Income 5. Deferred Income Deferred income movements in the year were as follows: Balance at the start of the period Income deferred in the current period Amounts released in income from previous periods Balance at the end of the period |
2026 2025 £ £ - 2,750 - 8,110 - 336 1,200 840 21,050 22,050 22,250 34,086 2026 2025 £ £ 22,050 - 21,050 22,050 (22,050 ) - 21,050 22,050 |
|---|---|
15. Deferred Income
Deferred income movements in the year were as follows:
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2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
16. Pension Commitments
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
During the year the charge to the statement of financial activities in respect of defined contribution schemes was £1,821 (2025: £1,296).
At the statement of financial position date contributions of £0 (2025: £335) were due to the fund and are included in creditors.
17. Movement in Funds
| Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Restricted funds Dartford GrowInGravesham Total restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds General: General unrestricted fund Restricted funds Dartford Helping Hands Henry Smith Charity Grant GrowInGravesham Total restricted funds Total funds |
As at 1 April 2025 Income Expenditure Transfers As at 31 March 2026 £ £ £ £ £ 32,299 51,324 (54,810) 6,083 34,896 - 15,200 (9,117) (6,083) - 10,120 71,699 (53,466) - 28,353 10,120 86,899 (62,583) (6,083) 28,353 42,419 138,223 (117,393) - 63,249 As at 1 April 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers As at 31 March 2025 £ £ £ £ £ 36,012 52,876 (61,010) 4,421 32,299 - 21,000 (17,497) (3,503) - 3,210 - (2,292) (918) - - 10,000 (10,000) - - - 11,250 (1,130) - 10,120 3,210 42,250 (30,919) (4,421) 10,120 39,222 95,126 (91,929) - 42,419 |
|---|---|
18. Transactions with Trustees
No trustee expenses have been incurred.
19. Related Party Disclosures
The total employee benefits (comprising gross salary, employer’s National Insurance contributions, and pension contributions) paid to the charity’s key management personnel during the year are as follows: £56,821 (2025: £51,631).
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2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
One-Page Highlights for Funders (2025/26)
The Kent Foundation at a Glance
Supporting young people aged 18–40 across Kent to build sustainable businesses through free mentoring, training and networks.
Why Our Work Matters
Young entrepreneurs face barriers to advice, confidence and professional support. The Kent Foundation provides trusted, independent mentoring that enables individuals to build resilience, create livelihoods and contribute to local economic growth.
What We Deliver
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Free one-to-one business mentoring
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Structured start-up and growth support
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Community-based programmes and events
Value for Funders
Funding enables us to:
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Reach individuals excluded from commercial support
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Leverage significant in-kind value via volunteers
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Deliver place-based, targeted interventions
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Demonstrate accountability and public benefit
We operate with a lean staffing model, directing resources primarily toward frontline delivery.
Governance and Assurance
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Registered CIO (Charity No. 1208109)
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Experienced volunteer Board
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Strong financial controls
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Independently examined accounts
Looking Ahead
In 2026/27, we will focus on sustaining capacity, delivering funded commitments and strengthening long-term impact measurement.
Thank you to our funders and partners - your support enables opportunity, confidence and sustainable livelihoods to grow.
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2025/2026 Annual Report and Impact Review
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