Land Securities has committed £50,000 to the Kent LINK Fund.

Building firm Land Securities has committed £50,000 to the Kent LINK Fund, which will benefit the local community of North Kent in the UK.

Land Securities and the Kent Community Foundation have jointly announced the launch - an innovative new way to fund local community groups, charities and social enterprises in the area.

As one of the UK’s leading Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT), Land Securities will donate £50,000 over two years, coupled with 50% matched funding from The Office of The Third Sector, bringing a total investment for the fund of £75,000.

While the endowment grows, Land Securities will also distribute flow through funds of £10,000 in Kent during each of the next two years, so the total commitment will amount to £95,000.

The company is already hugely committed to the area with its 1,000 acre Ebbsfleet Valley development, which will play a significant part in the regeneration of the area bringing new homes, jobs and commercial benefits to Dartford and Gravesham.

The establishment of the Kent Fund builds upon this commitment; it will also enable other companies, local residents and private investors to maximise their charitable giving to local causes by pooling the funds into one vehicle. This innovative approach to charitable giving mirrors the ‘Westminster Fund’, which was also established by Land Securities earlier this year.

The focus of the first two years is to grow the Kent Fund so that in future years the interest from the endowment fund pays for charitable activity year on year, leaving the capital protected. When the fund has had time to grow, a grants panel will be established and tasked with the responsibility of making funding recommendations.

Colette O’Shea, Head of Development for Ebbsfleet Valley, Land Securities, said: “Land Securities recognises the importance of investing beyond just physical infrastructure and buildings. As a long term partner with a vested interest in the region’s development, we believe that by supporting the local community we will help to create a more successful future for North Kent. Ebbsfleet Valley is an exciting project for us, and we want it to benefit everyone in the local area.”

Keziah Cunningham, Development Director, Kent Community Foundation, added: “We are delighted that the Kent Fund has been established, creating a long-term legacy fund, that with the help of more donations, will continue to grow. The fund will make a real difference supporting local initiatives for the benefit of local residents for generations to come.”