Hertfordshire Household Support Fund - grants to address food and energy poverty

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to groups working in areas of deprivation in Hertfordshire that support vulnerable adults by providing access to food and/or support with bills such as fuel and water. It can also be used to provide support with essentials linked to energy and water.

Larger grants (up to £10,000) may be considered where a group can demonstrate an ability to work across a larger geography or support significant numbers of local residents. If you would like to apply for a grant in excess of £5,000 please contact grants@hertscf.org.uk before making an online application.

The fund is primarily to be used to provide support with food and energy. Groups who can provide access to this are invited to apply.

Food: To provide support with food whether in kind or through vouchers or cash.

Energy and water. The fund can also be used to support with energy bills for any form of fuel that is used for the purpose of domestic heating, cooking or lighting, including oil or portable gas cylinders. It can also be used to support with water bills including for drinking, washing, cooking, and sanitary purposes and sewerage.

Essentials linked to energy and water. The Fund can be used to provide support with essentials linked to energy and water (including sanitary products, warm clothing, soap, blankets, boiler service/repair, purchase of equipment including fridges, freezers, ovens, etc.), in recognition that a range of costs may arise which directly affect a household’s ability to afford or access food, energy and water.

All awarded grants must be spent to meet immediate needs within six months of receipt.

This funding has been made available by Hertfordshire County Council as a part of the Government’s Household Support Grant to support vulnerable families with children and other vulnerable people particularly affected by the pandemic.

Applications from charities, groups and non-profit organisations supporting vulnerable adults that fall into any of the following categories are eligible to apply for funding:

Individuals in crisis (eg people facing poverty, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, poor mental health, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction etc) and their families, with our without children

Those facing food poverty

Those facing fuel poverty

Minority and marginalised groups who have been particularly impacted by Covid-19

Applications from groups who employ benefit advisors wishing to distribute food and fuel vouchers to vulnerable adults will also be welcome.

Applications are welcome from charities, community and voluntary groups and not for profits of all sizes. However priority will be given to local groups with an in depth knowledge of the issues they are dealing with and the communities they serve.