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.
The awards recognise the dedication, compassion, and selflessness of local heroes who make a lasting difference in people’s lives. Hearing the inspiring stories of nominees and winners highlighted the incredible impact that individuals and small grassroots organisations have across the county.
As a grant-making charity supporting local charities and community groups, HCF was proud to sponsor the Volunteer Award. This year, the award went to Debbie Doherty, Volunteer Lead at
The Ollie Foundation. Although Debbie was unable to attend, her colleagues Naomi Powell and Jo Cakmak accepted the award on her behalf, sharing how her unwavering commitment, kindness, and expertise make a real difference every day.
Paul Robin, Chief Executive of HCF said; “Events like this remind us why supporting local, community-led initiatives is so important — it’s the people on the ground who are driving meaningful change.”
It was also fantastic to see organisations HCF has supported through grant funding at the awards, including The Ollie Foundation and
Electric Umbrella. The evening was brought to life with a special performance from Electric Umbrella, whose energy and joy delighted everyone in attendance.
The Heart FM Hero Awards were a heartfelt celebration of the best of Hertfordshire’s community spirit — and a reminder of the power of volunteering, kindness, and local collaboration.
Read more about HCF’s grant funding and support for local charities