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Funding Local Causes

Community Spaces Fund - Grants to enable groups to open their doors wide this winter 23-24

Somewhere for people to go when they can't keep warm where they live

Open now for applications

Grants of up to £2,000 are available to groups who are able to provide a warm place for local people to take a break from the cold and connect with others during the winter months.

In particular the funding is to support groups who welcome those who are vulnerable or have been affected by the rising cost of living.

Your community space could be something set up specifically to help people this winter, or an existing service that your community group offers which you are extending to help more people. If you have previously delivered a successful registered warm or cool space and residents still need your space you can apply for further funding for this winter.

The Warm and Cool Spaces initiatives to date have enabled many community venues to open their doors to residents. This further funding has been made available by Hertfordshire County Council. It is to enable community groups to add to the network of safe, trusted places where residents can go to keep warm. Hertfordshire County Council has worked in collaboration with district councils and other partners, to create the network of Community Spaces

Applications are welcome from charities, community and voluntary groups and not for profit organisations. Parish Councils working alongside community groups are also welcome to apply, and any previously registered Warm or Cool Spaces.

We encourage organisations to provide Community Spaces which are free and accessible by all communities in Hertfordshire.

Who can apply?


You can apply if you work or volunteer for a group that:
    • is based in Hertfordshire

    • is a not for profit voluntary or community group or faith group

    • runs a venue, like a village hall, community centre, or religious building - or operates a service in a venue which could be used as a warm space

    • has a Safeguarding policy that covers the activities you want us to fund plus a policy covering COVID and infectious diseases

    • has an up to date Risk Assessment

    • has up to date Public Liability insurance



We would also encourage groups to speak to others in their area to agree who is best placed to become a ‘community space’.

What can we fund ?


Anything that will help you to provide a welcoming community space to those who need it, including the following:

    • extra energy costs

    • staff time

    • transport to venue

    • volunteer expenses

    • venue hire

    • provision of free or subsidised drinks and food

    • training

    • other relevant costs for example transport to the venue



Transport


If you are a rural space or need to help residents to get to your venue, you are able to apply for additional funding to facilitate transport. You can apply for up to £500.


Useful Resources - please read


If you are successful with your application you will be asked to register on the HCC Warm Spaces directory so that people can find you easily and see what you can offer. Click here to go the HCC page to see the directory and also to find a range of useful resources that can support you in running your Warm Space including links to policies, advice and training.

Before applying please read the guidance notes below.
Community Spaces guidance 2024
Community Spaces guidance 2024

If you are unsure of your eligibility please contact us at grants@hertscf.org.uk in the first instance.

APPLY HERE

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