The Medway Towns Soroptimist Trust (MTST) has its origins in the community service and fundraising work of members of Soroptimist International of the Medway Towns during the 1960s.

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The original investment was generated by these founding members, who raised funds through local community service to establish a long-term resource for supporting women in need. This initially took the form of a property known as Soroptimist House, which provided accommodation and support for women who had fallen on hard times.

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When the property was no longer considered the most effective way to fulfil that purpose, it was sold and the proceeds were invested. The Medway Towns Soroptimist Club, now known as SI Medway and Maidstone, decided that the fund should continue to benefit the wider community.

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In 2017, Liz Duckworth and other fellow Soroptimists were instrumental in establishing the Medway Towns Soroptimist Trust as an independent charitable trust to manage the endowment and distribute small grants to suitable organisations and individuals. Liz remained closely connected to the Trust’s development until her death in 2025, and her contribution forms an important part of its continuing legacy.

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MTST remains deeply influenced by the Soroptimist philosophy of actively supporting communities locally, nationally and internationally through service and funding. However, the Trust operates independently from the day-to-day volunteering and charitable activities of SI Medway and Maidstone, which is itself a separate registered charity.

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The Board of Trustees is made up primarily of local Soroptimists, together with an independent external volunteer. Its specialist role is focused on the responsible management of the Trust’s capital and the distribution of charitable grants.