Community grant funds open for applications
Community groups and charities in St Albans District that help people in need can apply for grants of up to £5,000.
St Albans City and District Council has launched both its Community Project Fund and its Community Revenue Fund for 2024/25.
The funds support projects and organisations that benefit the community and are in keeping with the Council’s equality, diversity and inclusion strategy.
Community Project Fund
Grants of up to £2,000 are available and are intended to help finance time-limited projects run by smaller organisations.
Applications can be made throughout the year until Sunday 5 January 2025 with a Grants Panel meeting each month to review them.
However, if funds are required for activities this summer, applications must be submitted by 9am on Monday 17 June.
Among the community groups to obtain a grant last year was Active Lifestyles which received £1,748.
This was used to provide trips, activities and a social group for older people to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Community Revenue Fund
Grants of up to £5,000 are available with the fund aimed at assisting established organisations.
They should have a proven track record of delivering services to the most vulnerable people in the District.
Applications can be submitted until 9am on Monday 17 June.
Among the organisations to receive a grant last year was the Herts Disability Sports Foundation.
They received £4,280 to provide free cycle training, bikes and helmets to Year 5 and 6 pupils of five primary schools in deprived areas within the District.
Information Event
Communities 1st, an organisation which provides advice to charities and encourages volunteering, helps the Council administer the grants.
Its team will be at an information event for groups wanting to find out more on Thursday 23 May from 5.30pm to 7pm at the Civic Centre in St Albans.
The meeting can be accessed in person, or online by requesting a link from vcsgrants@stalbans.gov.uk.
Communities 1st offers a support service to groups that are applying to the Community Project Fund. Those interested should contact StAlbansGrants@communities1st.org.uk for an appointment.
Groups that apply are encouraged to read the criteria and guidance before completing the application form. This can be found at www.stalbans.gov.uk/grants.
Councillor Sarwar Shamsher, the Council’s Lead for Inclusion, said:
We are pleased that we can continue to offer these grants despite the severe financial challenges that we are faced with as a Council.
They are of immense help to the District's voluntary and community groups. The Community Project Fund can support a wide range of activities to improve people’s wellbeing while the Community Revenue Fund can assist our community’s larger organisations.
Our community grants are a significant part of our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy and are intended to support residents who are in need. The groups that benefit do a great deal of important work, helping thousands of people across the District.
Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.