Applications for the 2024 Community Chest Fund have now closed, and we are delighted to share the 10 organisations chosen in our supply area to receive a grant of £2,000 for their next community project.

For the third year in a row – we’re giving £2,000 each to ten charities, local community groups, and non–profit organisations who need a financial boost to develop projects that can make a difference.

This is particularly important now as many are struggling to fundraise during the current cost of living crisis despite seeing an increased demand for their services.

2024's chosen organisations

We received a staggering amount of truly amazing applications from such worthy causes, a 489% increase in applications compared with last year.

It was an incredibly difficult decision to select just 10 organisations to receive a grant, and our panel of judges selected a range of admirable causes that will make a real difference to their community.

Our 2024 recipients of the Community Chest Grant are:

  • Addington Recreation Ground
  • Alexander Devine Children's Hospice
  • Balcombe Primary School
  • Canterbury Umbrella
  • Eastbourne Community First Responders
  • Farnborough Lions Club
  • Smarden Primary School
  • Imago Community
  • Peacehaven Orchard
  • This Is Us
South East Water staff member playing cricket with cricket club children
School children and teachers posing with watering cans and water butts

Wateringbury Primary School

Wateringbury CE Primary School’s wildlife garden and pond is now full of life thanks to a £2,000 grant from the 2023 South East Water Community Chest fund.

Debbie Johnson, Headteacher of Wateringbury CE Primary School, said: “We are so grateful to South East Water for the grant which, along with some amazing fundraising by our parent body, allowed us to create our wildlife garden and pond.

“Our children love being outside, and we are lucky to have such beautiful grounds to explore. This addition to our outdoor learning provision means that children can learn about the creatures in our environment and the frogs are delighted with the upgrade from their muddy puddle!”

You can read our full press release for Wateringbury Primary School here.

South East Water employee wearing a high vis, smiling with two children from Wateringbury Primary School

Farnborough & Aldershot Lions Club

Over 200 men in the Farnborough area took part in a potentially lifesaving prostate cancer screening day on Saturday 12 October, thanks to an event organised by Farnborough & Aldershot Lions Club and supported by South East Water.

Tanya Sephton, Customer Services Director, South East Water said: “Across the UK more than 12,000 deaths occur each year due to prostate cancer and days like this are so important in raising awareness and ensuring men come forward for what could be lifesaving testing.

“We are delighted that we could help support this good cause by providing financial help from our Community Chest Fund, and work with the Farnborough & Aldershot Lions Club to help make a difference to the health and wellbeing of men in the Farnborough area.”

You can read our full press release for The Farnborough Lions men's prostate cancer screening day here.

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