The Mayor's Small Grants Fund is now open and providing 'not for profit' voluntary and community organisations with the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £3,000...
Championed by Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, the fund supports a variety of initiatives, including one-off community events, the acquisition of equipment, and green/sustainable community events aligning with the council’s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the borough.
All funding awarded must demonstrate clear benefits to Watford residents and to be eligible for a grant, applications must meet at least one of the Council Plan themes, namely:
- A greener, brighter future
- An inspiring, thriving, and creative town
- A diverse, happy, and healthy town
In recent years, the fund has played a crucial role in supporting various community initiatives in Watford. Events have received backing, with £2,279 for Mojo Fusion Ltd CIC's multicultural community carnival and £3,000 for Herts Pride's big top circus tent. Sustainability efforts have also been funded, with £1,500 for LED lighting at Meriden Community Centre and £1,500 for RefillAbell Workshops CIC to provide talks in local schools and facilitate visits to their shop.
PHOTO: Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor visiting the RefillAbell shop in Oxhey
To further support the local community, another initiative has included £1,300 for Raise NHS Charity to buy an age simulation suit and dementia clocks to assist care for elderly patients. Other projects funded consist of £1,500 for the Watford Elim Church Manna Foodbank Project, Beast Boxing Academy granted £3,000 for growth support, and Alternatives Watford and Watford Salvation Army receiving £2,000 each for Baby Boxes and a community allotment project, respectively.
PHOTO: Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor visiting Watford General Hospital to try out the age simulation suit and dementia clocks
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “Voluntary and community groups make a real difference in Watford. I know how important it is to support their work and the Mayor’s Small Grants fund is one of the ways we do this. I would encourage local groups to consider applying, especially if they have an idea to make their community more sustainable and enhance the local environment.”
Three drop-in sessions will be held at the Town Hall Annexe on Thursday 15 and 22 February, and 7 March, from 3-6pm, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the application process, eligibility criteria, and gain insights into successful grant applications.
The application window for the Mayor's Small Grants Fund is from Monday 12 February 2024 to Friday 15 March 2024. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis up to the closing date, contingent on budget availability. To apply, interested organisations are encouraged to visit www.watford.gov.uk/mayors-smallgrants and complete the online form.
