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
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/costofliving for information about Hertfordshire support or if you are in financial crisis, visit
www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/was to apply for support. You can also ring Hertshelp on 0300 123 4044
Before deciding to apply for a grant, please read the following documents:Household Support Fund Guidance NotesHCF's Due Diligence ChecksHCF’s Community Interest Company (CIC) Guidance (if you are applying on behalf of a CIC)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.
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.
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.
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.
Preventative support: The fund can be used for activities which prevent vulnerable households from falling into – or falling further into – crisis. Applicants need to demonstrate how their support will build people’s resilience and have a longer-term impact on their lives.
Advice and guidance: Funding can be used by community groups to provide supplementary advice services including debt, benefit and/or employment advice.
Access to affordable food: Funding can be used to provide access to affordable food through community pantries and community kitchens. This can include the provision of household budgeting advice and cooking lessons which help people to develop their skills in using cost effective ways of preparing meals.
Skills development: Funding can be used to help people to develop their skills to move into or closer to employment.
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
- Groups supporting those with disabilities
Applications are welcome from charities, community and voluntary groups and not for profits. Housing associations can also apply.
Priority will be given to local groups with an in depth knowledge of the issues they are dealing with and the communities they serve.