DONATE

Funding Local Causes

Grants of up to £5,000 or £10,000 for groups addressing need and deprivation in Hertfordshire

Grants are available for projects that are addressing identified need and benefitting residents of Hertfordshire.

Successful applications from this programme are funded by a range of the individual, family and corporate funds managed by HCF. You can let us know if you are applying to a specific fund, but we will always try to match you to the funds available.

Before deciding to apply for a grant, please read the following documents:


You can only hold one grant at a time from the HCF Foundation Grants programme, but you can hold a HCF Grant alongside grants from other programmes, for the example the Household Support Fund. If in doubt, please contact the Grants Team on 01707 251 351 or email grants@hertscf.org.uk

How to apply

HCF are looking for projects that:

  • Are meeting an identified need in the county

  • Can demonstrate how the money requested will help them to make a positive difference (i.e. have clear objectives and outcomes).

  • Are well thought through and costed appropriately

  • Are well connected to the communities they serve

  • Will be able to spend the funding requested within 12 months of the grant being awarded.


Grants up to £5,000

Applications are open for requests of up to £5,000. Please read our Grants Criteria and Due Diligence documents linked above before applying.

Please note there is an approximate 2-month turnaround for decisions, but this can take longer in busier periods. Please let us know via email at the point of application if your project is time sensitive.

Grants up to £10,000

Requests for up to £10,000 are considered by our Grants Committee and they meet to consider applications throughout the year whilst funds are available.

Information on upcoming rounds:

  • Spring 2026 Round: Now open. Deadline 24th April 2026. Decisions known June/July 2026



  • Autumn 2026 Round: Dates to be announced



  • Winter 2026/27 Round: Dates to be announced



  • Previous Rounds - Winter 25/26 Round: Closed 5pm on 16 January 2026 with decisions known in March 2026



APPLY HERE

Specific funds
We manage a large number of funds and make grants to address a broad range of needs in the county. The following funds are a select few which are available for specific themes or geographic areas. They are not the only funds available, so please do apply regardless of whether your work fits these areas. HCF will take successful applications to a variety of our managed funds, however if you have applied with a specific fund in mind you can let us know in your application.

  • Friends of Bushey Seniors - grants for groups supporting older residents of Bushey and surrounds, including Watford and South Oxhey

  • Elliston Family Fund - projects supporting adults in Welwyn Garden City

  • The Frank Litchfield Trust - projects addressing need and deprivation within 25 miles of Royston

  • Harpenden Building Society - projects supporting residents of Harpenden.



Are you new to fundraising? Have you already tried but want to improve your effectiveness? If your answer is "yes" to either of these, then you will benefit from the courses provided by HCF Training and Development. Click here for more information about training and support available.

Catch up with our latest news

Good luck to our London Marathon runners
On Sunday 26 April 2026, eight incredible supporters will be taking on the challenge of the London Marathon to raise funds for Hertfordshire Community Foundation. .
READ MORE
An important day for place-based philanthropy as UK Government publishes new roadmap
UK Community Foundations welcomes the publication of the Department for Culture, Meida and Sport’s Our Place to Give: a roadmap towards growing place-based philanthropy, which sets out how the UK Government intends to grow philanthropy in England and build a positive culture of giving. .
READ MORE
Celebrating Hertfordshire’s unsung heroes at the Heart FM Hero Awards
On the evening of Friday 27 March 2026, members of Hertfordshire Community Foundation's (HCF) team attended the Heart FM Hero Awards, celebrating individuals across Hertfordshire who go above and beyond for their communities. .
READ MORE
High Sheriff Awards celebrate charitable projects across Hertfordshire
Nicholas Buxton, the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, publicly recognised and rewarded eight Hertfordshire voluntary organisations at the 2026 High Sheriff Awards ceremony held on Tuesday, 24 March 2026. .
READ MORE