Like many others before him, Michael and his family realised there were hundreds of worthwhile small groups and associations needing financial help. What had seemed a simple task suddenly became enormously time-consuming and occasionally confusing, and that’s when a friend referred Michael to Kent Community Foundation.

"One of the key strengths of community foundations is connecting the 'do-ers' with the donors. They are able to open the eyes of donors to opportunities where they can have an effect and trigger their involvement in projects and they can also help to make the distribution of wealth through philanthropy be effective, just and directed to where the need is."

The fund is a working partnership, with the community foundation suggesting projects that might be of interest to Joyce and providing advice and all the associated administration.

Children and young people of all ages continue to not only use the play area, but also to be involved in planning and developing it.