We believe in doing better for the communities we serve. A key part of that commitment is our annual Community Chest Fund, which provides financial support to the local organisations and non-profits making a real difference across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire.
For 2026, we received more than 130 applications, making the final decision for our judging panel (a group of seven employees from across our business) incredibly difficult. We have now selected our winners, with grants of up to £2,000 being awarded to projects that champion the environment, health and local wellbeing.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to apply this year. While we could not choose every project, we encourage you to look out for our 2027 applications which will open early next year.
With fundraising challenges continuing for many, we are proud to help bridge the gap so this year’s recipients can focus on what matters most: helping people. You can see how the funding is being put to use below.
Kent projects chosen
12th St John’s Scout Group
12th St John’s Scout Group in Tunbridge Wells will be using the grant to create a new, green-roofed storage unit topped with a living garden. This space will not only house essential camping and activity equipment but will also become an educational and ecological asset for the Scouts and the wider community.
Ashford St Mary’s Parent Staff Association
Ashford St Mary’s Parent Staff Association plans to purchase and install an outdoor wooden water wall for use in its OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) and out of classroom provisions. This new resource will provide engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for all pupils and is designed to support the national curriculum, particularly for early years.
Baby Umbrella
Operating in Otford, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, Baby Umbrella provides free support to local Kent families during the first 1,000 days of a baby’s life, a critical period for lifelong health and wellbeing. The Community Chest Fund grant will help support its programme of early years support in the West Kent area.
Communigrow
Improving and expanding its wildlife pond is the focus for Communigrow in East Malling, who will be using the grant to ensure there is more space for wildlife to thrive. It will enable the organisation to increase the number of children and young people who are able to enjoy its pond dipping and conservation education sessions.
Henry Peters Trust - Snodland Hub
Henry Peters Trust - Snodland Hub will be using the grant money received towards expanding its current community food bank facilities.
Rising Sun Domestic Violence & Abuse Service
The South East Water grant will be used by Rising Sun Domestic Violence & Abuse Service in Canterbury to support its counselling service for children and young people aged 5-18 who have been impacted by domestic abuse.
Sussex projects chosen
Friends of Brantridge School
A grant was awarded to Friends of Brantridge School in Haywards Heath to help develop a sensory garden which will provide a calming outside area that can also be used for outdoor learning opportunities for pupils at the school.
Polegate Community Association
Purchasing a rainwater harvesting system and an outdoor bench for the community garden at Polegate Community Association will ensure the garden is a welcoming and accessible space for local residents and visitors.
Rocks Park Primary School
Rocks Park Primary School in Uckfield will be using its grant to regenerate its natural pond and create a bog habitat for invertebrates. This will increase biodiversity as well as provide safe habitats for species as they travel through the local pond systems and enable pupils to understand more about their natural environment.
Royal Air Force Air Cadets - 54 Squadron
Royal Air Force Air Cadets - 54 Squadron in Eastbourne will be using the grant to create a wildlife friendly garden, purchase a rainwater harvesting system, a composting area and seating area which will benefit all visitors to the squadron.
Hampshire projects chosen
Dogs for Autism
Based in Alton, Dogs for Autism will use the money from South East Water’s Community Chest Fund to fund the development of a new sensory space at its headquarters. The space will provide a dedicated calm area where clients can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Alzheimer Café
Further afield in Hampshire Alzheimer Café in Farnborough will be using the funding to support the running of its monthly Alzheimer Café supporting those who have any type of dementia, their family and friends.
Hart Voluntary Action
Hart Voluntary Action in Fleet will use the funding to deliver water-based activity trips for young carers during the school summer holidays.
Previous recipients
Since launching the Community Chest, we have supported a wide variety of local projects that make a genuine difference to our customers and the environment.
From boosting biodiversity to protecting public health, here are just a few of the organisations we have helped along the way.
Aldershot Underwood Bowling Club
Used a £2,000 grant to install rainwater harvesting tanks and drought-tolerant planting to reduce water consumption, while also using surplus funds to maintain a community defibrillator.
Balcombe C of E Primary School
Installed a new weather station and repaired their wildlife pond, ensuring pupils can safely explore nature and study global weather patterns as part of their science and geography curriculum.
Wateringbury Primary School
Transformed a muddy puddle into a thriving wildlife garden and pond that allowed pupils to explore the local environment and learn about the creatures sharing their outdoor space.
Farnborough & Aldershot Lions Club
Organised a vital screening day that provided more than 200 local men with access to potentially life-saving prostate cancer testing and raised essential health awareness within the community.