Gravesham and Medway charities and community groups working near the Lower Thames Crossing can apply for cash grants of up to £10,000, as the project launches its new Community Fund today (Monday 9 February).
The opportunity for local good causes comes ahead of the start of construction work on the new road and tunnel this year.
The project, delivered by National Highways, will give away almost £2 million over the next seven years as part of its commitment to leave a positive legacy for local communities.
Local charities, voluntary organisations, parish councils, community groups and social enterprises are all eligible to apply. To be in with a chance of receiving a grant, applicants must show they will enhance the quality of life for local people within the areas close to the Lower Thames Crossing by improving mental health and wellbeing, boosting local skills and employment, improving local connections or enhancing the local environment.
Shaun Pidcock, Programme Delivery Director, Lower Thames Crossing said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is one of Britain’s most important economic projects, but it’s also a local project where we have close neighbours. By supporting initiatives that are important to our communities – from a sports club to a foodbank or a small heritage project, we intend to make a real positive difference.”
The Lower Thames Crossing Community Fund is being run with support from Kent Community Foundation, who will manage the applications independently. Decisions to award grants will be made by a panel including representatives from the local authorities and community, National Highways, and Kent Community Foundation. The panel will operate independently of the Lower Thames Crossing.
Applications can be made through the Lower Thames Crossing’s website, which details full application criteria and guidance.
The new Community Fund follows a successful pilot in 2023 that awarded almost £250,000 to over 50 projects, with 15 of them based in north Kent. A wide variety of projects were supported, including the purchase of new tools for Chalk Village Gardener’s Club, a project to improve disabled access to Broomhill Woodland in Rochester and helping with the opening of a new Scout section in Gravesend.
Bruce Topham, Grants Manager, Kent Community Foundation said: “We’re delighted to support this Community Fund and support even more organisations working in the communities most affected by the Lower Thames Crossing. The recent pilot showed just how much difference targeted, local investment can make, and we’re excited to help groups across Gravesham and Medway create lasting, positive change over the coming years.”
Gary Scott, Group Volunteer Leader 11th Gravesend (St Mary’s) Scout Group said: “The fund made such a difference to our group. We were just opening a new Scout section, for 10-14 year olds, and the grant allowed us to purchase tents, expedition cooking stoves and other camping equipment to enable the young people to have many nights away. Scouts gained skills for life from cooking to teamwork, and the fund equipment is being used by the Scouts to start working towards their Chief Scout Gold award and their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award. This would not have been possible without the grant from The Lower Thames Crossing Fund and all of us at 11th Gravesend St Mary’s Scouts are very grateful.”
The Lower Thames Crossing is a new road and tunnel that will tackle congestion on the Dartford Crossing and drive economic growth by creating a reliable new link between the ports of the south-east, the Midlands, and the north.
The project received planning permission in March 2025. In the Budget last year the Chancellor committed the final part of public funding that will enable the private sector to take forward construction and long-term operation of the new road.