Deadline: 24-Aug-2026
The Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) grants programme offers funding of up to £5,000 or £10,000 to support community projects across Hertfordshire. It funds organisations that can demonstrate clear local need, strong community benefit, and well-planned, costed activities delivered within 12 months. Priority is given to grassroots, locally connected organisations addressing specific needs within the county.
Hertfordshire Community Foundation Grants Programme Overview
The grants programme is managed by the Hertfordshire Community Foundation and supports community-led initiatives that improve wellbeing and address local needs across Hertfordshire.
- Core purpose:
- Key expectations:
- Clear objectives and measurable outcomes
- Strong community connection and engagement
- Realistic planning and appropriate budgeting
- Delivery within a 12-month funding period
Funding Details
The programme offers flexible grant support through multiple funding streams.
- Grant amounts:
- Up to £5,000 or £10,000 depending on fund match
- Funding structure:
- Managed through individual, family, and corporate funds
- Applicants may indicate a preferred fund
- Final allocation is matched to the most suitable funding source by HCF
- Spending timeframe:
- All funded projects must be completed within 12 months
Who Can Apply (Eligible Organisations)
The programme supports a wide range of community-focused organisations that demonstrate public benefit.
- Eligible applicants include:
- Registered charities
- Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs)
- Community and voluntary groups with governing documents
- Social enterprises
- Community Interest Companies (CICs) not limited by shares
- Companies Limited by Guarantee
- Community Benefit Societies
- Faith-based organisations delivering community projects
- Eligibility requirements:
- Must demonstrate clear public benefit
- Must show strong understanding of local community needs
- Must provide evidence of impact (research, data, or lived community knowledge)
- Must be closely connected to the Hertfordshire community served
Project Requirements and Priorities
The programme prioritises well-planned, locally informed, and impact-driven projects.
- Priority characteristics:
- Grassroots and user-led organisations
- Strong local knowledge and community ties
- Clear identification of community need
- Well-defined objectives and outcomes
- Cost-effective and realistic delivery plans
- Project expectations:
- Demonstrable positive impact on Hertfordshire residents
- Clear and measurable outcomes
- Deliverable within funding period (12 months)
Ineligible Applicants
Certain organisations and applicant types are excluded from funding.
- Not eligible:
- National charities without a Hertfordshire focus
- Organisations outside Hertfordshire without local relevance
- Businesses or CICs limited by shares
- Organisations with more than one year of unrestricted reserves
- Statutory organisations (e.g., schools, hospitals)
- Parish councils
- Most playgroups and nurseries (unless supporting disadvantaged groups)
- Community sports clubs (unless serving disadvantaged groups)
- Hospices
- Individuals
- Organisations already holding an HCF Foundation Grant
Funding Purpose and Expected Outcomes
The funding is intended to support meaningful, realistic community projects.
- Core intent:
- Deliver measurable community benefit
- Address clearly identified local needs
- Strengthen community resilience in Hertfordshire
- Expected outcomes:
- Improved social wellbeing
- Stronger community engagement
- Sustainable local impact
- Efficient use of funding within 12 months
Conclusion
The grants programme by Hertfordshire Community Foundation provides targeted financial support to organisations delivering meaningful community impact across Hertfordshire.
- It prioritises:
- Locally rooted organisations
- Clear, evidence-based community need
- Strong planning and measurable outcomes
- Projects completed within a defined 12-month period.
For more information, visit HCF.