Grants of up to £500 for families in crisis

Since 1996 we have supported disadvantaged children (ages 0–18, or up to 25 with disabilities) in Hertfordshire by funding essential household items like cookers, washing machines, and children’s beds to help keep families safe, healthy, and clean.

This programme is currently closed for applications. Opening in November

Applications must come from a supporting professional and will only be considered for eligible items listed below.

**Due to high demand and limited funds, we can only fund one white good per family**

Please read our full guidance notes before applying.

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.

Children’s Beds (provided via local supplier):

• Single bed with mattress


• Single bed frame or mattress only


• Bunk beds with/without mattresses


• Children's bedding

Note: We cannot fund double beds or beds for parents/carers

White Goods

• Electric cooker with professional installation: £365


• Electric cooker item only: £300


• Fridge freezer (combined): £280


• Washing machine with professional installation: £300


• Washing machine item only: £250


• Fridge or freezer (separate): £205


• Gas cookers: Contact us before applying

Other white good items are unlikely to be funded

Baby Items:

• Pushchair: £95


• Double pushchair: £165


• Cot/Crib with mattress: £175


• Cot/Crib frame only: £100


• Car Seat: £80

Other items:
Please contact us before applying for anything other than what is listed above.

What is the Application Process?

1. Your application will be reviewed by our team


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


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


4. 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. Please see below for Other Sources of Local Support which may be useful.

How to Apply

1. Please read our full guidance notes before applying


2. This programme is currently closed


3. We will contact you with a decision within 1 month

Support the Fund
As well as a small endowment, we rely on generous donations to meet the growing demand for the Fund. If you or someone you know would be interested in supporting the Fund by making a donation or fundraising on our behalf, we’d love to hear from you!