Grants for Community Groups and Organisations

Living Magazines Household Support Fund

As part of the nationwide efforts to recover following the pandemic, Hertfordshire have been provided with some funding from the government’s Household Support Fund (HSF). This funding will be used to help people with things like the cost of food and energy.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available to groups working in areas of deprivation in Hertfordshire that support vulnerable adults 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 a grant in excess of £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 this are invited to apply.

  • Food: To provide support with food whether in kind or through vouchers or cash.
  • 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. It can also be used to support with water bills including for drinking, washing, cooking, and sanitary purposes and sewerage.
  • 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, etc.), 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.

Applications from charities, groups and non-profit organisations supporting vulnerable adults that fall into any of the following categories are eligible to apply for funding:

  • Individuals in crisis (e.g. people facing poverty, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, poor mental health, domestic violence, drug, and alcohol addiction) and their families.
  • Those facing food poverty
  • Those facing fuel poverty
  • Minority and marginalised groups who have been particularly impacted by Covid-19

The County Council is especially keen to hear from groups supporting those with disabilities, and welcome applications from food banks and from housing associations.

For more information and to apply for the grant, visit: www.hertscf.org.uk/householdsupport