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.
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.
What do we fund? GUIDANCE NOTES - Click to read the guidance notes for an extensive list of items we can and cannot fund before applying.
**Please note that due to increased volume of applications and limited funds available, we can now only offer one essential white good item per family**
Grants can be made for essential white goods, children’s beds and storage, baby items and specialist medical equipment for children.
Whilst grants can be made up to £500, this fund is reserved for essentials and the panel may suggest alternative items to those requested, this is to ensure the longevity of the fund and enable us to continue supporting a high volume of families.
As a guide, our panel are unlikely to award more than the below (last updated January 2025):
- Beds: All beds are provided by a local supplier and delivered directly to families
- Children's single bed including mattress: Provided by a local supplier
- Children's single bed frame only: Provided by a local supplier
- Children's single mattress only: Provided by a local supplier
- Bunk Bed including mattresses: Provided by a local supplier
- Children's bedding: £40 (this will be awarded as an Argos voucher
- Please note we do not award double beds for children or award beds for parents/carers.
- White goods including installation
- Electric Cooker with install: £365
- Fridge Freezer (combined): £270
- Washing machine with install: £300
- Fridge or Freezer (separate): £205
- Gas Cooker: Due to our commitment to environmental change, please contact us before making an application for a gas cooker.
- Baby items
- Pushchair £95
- Double pushchair £165
- Cot/Crib including mattress: £150
**Due to current demand, any applications received after Friday 6th December 2024 will be looked at for assessment in the new year. Thank you for your understanding.** APPLY HERE