The money - the second tranche from a community fund provided by the Port and administered by Kent Community Foundation - will go to 13 organisations supporting local people. Projects range from cultural events and arts activities, to schemes that support disabled children and help enhance residents' skills and employment opportunities.
The awarding panel - chaired by the Bishop of Dover, The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott - met to review applications last month, and were impressed with the breadth of work going on in the local community.
Bishop Trevor said: "It is remarkable to see how much energy and enthusiasm there is to support others in our local community. We are delighted to be funding 13 more excellent projects through the Fund, and we truly believe they will enhance the social, cultural and economic landscape of Dover."
The organisations receiving grants are:
- Blue Sky Development & Regeneration
- Cinque Ports Community Kitchen
- Cross Links
- Dover Music Festival
- East Kent Education Business Partnership Ltd
- Home-Start Dover
- Pegasus Playscheme
- Samphire
- Alkham Valley Community Project
- The Beacon Church and Christian Centre 'Footprints'
- The Big Reveal
- Up on the Downs
The Fund was established in 2014 to benefit the Dover community with a particular focus on supporting projects that provide opportunities for people to develop employment skills, as well as those offering activities that enrich the social and cultural life of Dovorians.
Andrew Garrett, Head of Funds at Kent Community Foundation said: "Huge congratulations to the very worthy projects supported by the panel. The level of grants made reflect the high calibre of work going on in the area. We are confident that there will be huge benefit to local people in Dover, and look forward to seeing the Fund's impact develop."
In total, the Port has already donated £350,000 to the Fund.
Tim Waggott, the Port's Chief Executive, said: "We believe passionately in our town and its future - that's why we continue to actively invest in it.
"We're extremely grateful to the independent panel and Kent Community Foundation who've been working so hard to ensure the Port of Dover Community Fund is a success. More and more organisations are recognising how the Port of Dover Community Fund can help them make a genuine difference to the lives of Dovorians."
The Fund will open for applications again in May. Organisations interested in applying can register their details via the Kent Community Foundation website or by emailing them at admin@kentcf.org.uk.
