Wave Community Bank is once again inviting members and local residents to nominate outstanding community groups, charities and local organisations for its popular £500 Community Giveaway.
Following the success of last year’s campaign, which celebrated grassroots organisations making a real difference across Kent, Medway, East Sussex, Brighton & Hove and Bexley, the ethical community bank is bringing back the initiative to shine a spotlight on local champions.
The campaign is part of Wave Community Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and recognising the vital work carried out by voluntary, charity, social enterprise and non-profit organisations.
Last year, members voted for Community Kitchen in Brighton & Hove to receive the £500 donation. Community Kitchen supports people through cookery and gardening courses, food and wellbeing activities, and projects that help tackle loneliness and isolation. The organisation also runs a Dementia Cookery Group, helping participants regain confidence and connect with others in a safe and supportive environment.
Wave Community Bank representatives visited Community Kitchen to present the cheque and see first-hand the impact the organisation has on local people and families.
The 2025 finalists showcased the incredible diversity of organisations supporting communities across the South East. Finalists included:
- Cleopatras Legacy CIC
- Haven Community Cars
- The Tommy Crush Foundation
- End2End TV CIC
- Tiles of Joy
- The Sinden Theatre
- Swanley Scouts
- Drum and Blaze
- The Village Food Bank
- Community Kitchen
Emma Norledge, Deputy CEO of Wave Community Bank, said:
“We were overwhelmed last year by the number of inspiring nominations we received and the incredible work being carried out by community groups across our region. The £500 Giveaway is a fantastic way to celebrate local organisations that are making a real difference to people’s lives, often with limited resources and behind the scenes.
“We’re delighted to be bringing the giveaway back again this year and would encourage people to nominate the local champions they believe deserve recognition and support.”
Wave Community Bank says the giveaway is about more than funding — it is about raising awareness of smaller grassroots organisations that may not always receive the recognition they deserve.
Nominations are now open, and Wave Community Bank is encouraging people to share stories about organisations that have positively impacted their lives or communities.
The process will once again include a public nomination stage, followed by a shortlist of finalists, with Wave Community Bank members voting to decide who receives the £500 award.
People can nominate community groups, charities or organisations working in East Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Kent, Medway or the London Borough of Bexley.
