Grants of up to £500 for disadvantaged families living in the Watford and Three Rivers districts to purchase essential white goods and children’s furniture.

Grant applications must be made by a practitioner (e.g. a social worker, health visitor, support worker) who knows the family and is qualified to assess their needs.

Please read our full guidance notes before applying

Background
The Bowley Charity was founded in 1951 by the late Mrs Ethel Bowley to support disadvantaged children in south west Herts. Since then referrers have made countless grant applications and many thousands of pounds have been distributed, originally as payments for food and fuel and more recently to support the purchase of white goods, children’s furniture and equipment.

In 2022, the Bowley Charity trustees came to the conclusion that local children and families would be better served if the fund was transferred to Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF).

HCF is pleased to fulfil Mrs Bowley’s original wishes by continuing to administer this fund for the benefit of families living in the districts of Watford and Three Rivers.

Who Can Apply?
Applications must be submitted by professionals who support the family and can assess their needs. If approved, the award is given to the supporting professional who must manage and supervise its use.

Eligible professionals include:

• Hertfordshire County Council Social Services


• Children’s Centres


• Housing associations


• Charitable and voluntary groups e.g. debt advice agencies, family support etc

We cannot accept applications directly from individuals or families

What We Fund
We offer grants for the following essential items only. Please read our full guidance notes before applying.

• Essential white goods (e.g. cookers, washing machines, fridge freezers)


• Children’s single beds and bedding
  
• Baby items
  
• Specialist medical equipment for children

How Much You Can Apply For
To help us support as many families as possible, grant requests must not exceed £500 in total. We will only fund items up to the maximum award amounts listed below - requests above these limits will not be considered.

What is the Application Process?

1. Read full guidance notes


2. Apply for a grant through our Fundseeker Portal


3. Your application will be reviewed by our team


4. We’ll contact you by phone or email if we need more information


5. Applications are considered by our panel, with decisions made within approximately 1 month


6. You’ll receive the outcome by email

If your application is successful:

• Beds/Bedding: We’ll email you and our supplier so you can arrange delivery for the family.


• White Goods: You’ll receive an Argos e-voucher to place the order on behalf of the family. You must email us proof of purchase within 1 month.


• Baby Items or Medical Equipment: You’ll receive an Argos or Amazon e-voucher to place the order on behalf of the family. Proof of purchase must be emailed within 1 month.


• If your application is unsuccessful: We’ll email you to advise.