A New Round of Funding from HCC as part of the Government's Support for Households
Please note: this funding is for organisations. If you are an individual seeking support please go to the Herts Direct website where there will shortly be information about Hertfordshire support. You can also ring Hertshelp on 0300 123 4044
Grants of up to £5,000 are available to groups working in areas of deprivation in Hertfordshire that support adults in need 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. We are particularly keen to receive applications from groups supporting those with disabilities.
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 more than £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 food and energy for those in need are invited to apply. This includes groups who support those with disabilities or long term illness in recognition of the fact that this group of people are generally more affected than others by the rising cost of living as they tend to have less disposable income.
Food: To provide support with food whether in kind or through vouchers or other means.
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. The cost of running specialist equipment for those with illness and disability can be supported.
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, cost of maintaining and running specialist equipment for those with disabilities. 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 adults and families in need particularly affected by the increased cost of living.
Applications from charities, groups and non-profit organisations supporting adults and families that fall into any of the following categories are eligible to apply for funding:
- Adults in crisis (eg people facing poverty, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, poor mental health, domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, disabilities and long term illness for example) and their families, with our without children
- Those facing food poverty
- Those facing fuel poverty
- Minority and marginalised groups
- We are especially keen to hear from groups supporting those with disabilities
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. Priority will be given to local groups with an in depth knowledge of the issues they are dealing with and the communities they serve.
Applications are welcomed from Food banks and from housing associations.