Kensington and Chelsea Foundation’s stylish ‘Party at Saatchi’ Art Gallery on September 27th, held to bring donors and potential donors face-to-face with the charities working on the frontline of their community, took local philanthropy to a new level.

“Creating a buzzy and stylish social event where locals were able to meet the charities working in their communities gave us a way to validate the work we do and let donors and potential donors hear, see and celebrate the work they are doing and understand what needs to be done,” says Jeremy Raphaely, director of the three-year-old foundation.

The 350 guests who attended enjoyed entertainment from the many organisations the foundation supports. Guests were able to witness how they are making a difference to their neighbourhood. The talented performers included jazz vocalist Aneesa Chaudhry, Portobello Dance School, Opera Holland Park and the West End Gospel Choir. Guests also admired artwork from Age Concern Kensington and Chelsea’s ‘Seldom Seen’ project which featured borough-wide residents in their 80s and 90s who are housebound and isolated.

Raphaely said: “The party gave us a chance to show the authenticity of the work being done. It was a party with a difference. People often support charities because of some personal experience with the cause they serve.  But the one thing which unites all of us is our personal connection with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea where such dramatic contrasts exist between people living in the same neighbourhood.”

The borough’s statistics paint a vivid picture of its inequality: average life expectancy is only 73 in the north of the borough, nearly 11 years less than in the south; 31% of the private housing units in Kensington and Chelsea do not meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard; 62% of its residents over the age of 65 live alone; 51% attend private schools, but of those attending state schools, the proportion receiving free school meals is double the national average.

Homelessness, social isolation, disability, the rehabilitation of ex-offenders are just some of the poignant issues being addressed every day by the 400 plus charities.

To show real ‘localism’ in action, guests were encouraged to ‘pledge’ between £100 and £10,000 to specific local causes, such as youth and education and the arts. Some asked for their pledges to be donated to specific charities that had impressed them on the night.

“But the fundraising was secondary to the other opportunities the event delivered. It gave a chance for us to start new donor relationships and develop existing ones which is incredibly important. It was especially pleasing to see so many new faces,” said Raphaely. He said since the event he had received calls from local residents with family trusts, interested in partnering with the foundation.

Organising committee member Sophie de Schwarzburg-Gunther said: “The event takes neighbourhood philanthropy to a whole new level.  Many small charities can’t afford their own fundraising or marketing staff so this is an excellent way to raise their profile and raise the much needed cash which can make such a difference to people’s lives.”

Since its formation the foundation has committed nearly £500,000 to 25 charities. An Endowment Fund has been set up to provide a lasting solution for the future.  As all the foundation’s administrative costs are covered by local statutory and infrastructure agencies, and by grant-giving trusts, 100% of gifts can be given to the donor’s chosen cause.

Donor Emma Carlton-Smith of Martin’s Properties (Chelsea) Ltd, whose family trust assists SMART (a local charity supporting disabled people), said: “Attending this event helped me tell others how much local difference the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation has enabled us to make.  It means a lot to us as donors that 100% of what we give to the foundation goes to the charities they help us choose, and that they monitor our donations and give us regular feedback.”

Tim Coleridge, foundation chairman, said: “We are truly grateful to everyone who supported us on the night.  The aim of this event was to raise the profile of the fantastic charities in the borough and bring donors closer to the charities they have hand-picked together with our foundation.” 

 www.thekandcfoundation.com