Port's £100,000 cash injection to boost community fund

Port chiefs are pumping even more cash into a community fund which has been backing the people of Dover.

The Port of Dover is committing £100,000 in addition to the £250,000 it used to pump-prime the scheme last year, just as the second round for bids has opened.

Projects or groups which enhance the town's skills and job prospects, or benefit its social, cultural or environmental credentials, are being invited to apply for grants of between £2,000 and £10,000.

Although the scheme - known as the Port of Dover Community Fund - is financed by the port, it's administered independently by Kent Community Foundation.

The charity, which has more than 14 years' experience in this field, says 20 organisations have already registered an interest in the latest round of funding.

And, on September 29, to help even more local good causes benefit, it will be holding a workshop where community groups can learn what criteria they need to meet for funding, how to apply, or - if they tried and were not successful in the last round - how to make their applications stronger.

Andrew Garrett, from the foundation, said: "We've already had some enquiries and expressions of interest coming in from local groups, with some really exciting projects that could potentially make a real difference in the long term."

The scheme is open to projects or organisations either based in the town or which serve the people of Dover.

Port of Dover chief executive Tim Waggott said: "This fund is about putting the port at the heart of its community and making a real and lasting difference. The latest injection of money is a clear sign that we remain committed to that principle.

"The fund is independently managed by Kent Community Foundation but, in addition to the money, the port is keen to host the workshop to ensure the people of Dover get maximum benefit from the funding on offer."

The workshop for funding applicants runs between 10am and noon on September 29 at Cruise Terminal One, Port of Dover.

The deadline for funding applications is 27 November 2015.