Watford Borough Council and Watford & Three Rivers Trust have distributed £29,930 in grant funding through the town’s Community Fund...
It has been given to several local charities and organisations, to enable them to continue their essential services and expand outreach efforts in the community.
This year’s funding programme, which focused on assisting residents in navigating challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis, has been made possible through generous donations and fundraising events.
It has been mainly sourced from community-driven initiatives, including the highly successful Watford Community Golf Cup, which raised an impressive £11,000, along with an auction that raised £1,000 and a quiz that brought in £6,200.
Additionally, the Watford Community Fund has been supported by the town’s community lottery, with funds raised totalling £6,482.50 since June 2023, making it the most popular good cause. From every £1 ticket sold, 60p goes to good causes in Watford.
Photo from the Big Quiz
The Watford Community Fund is an open, accessible fund that is flexible and responsive to the town's changing needs, particularly around issues related to climate, poverty, and inequality. Through careful consideration, the fund has allocated grants to a diverse range of organisations dedicated to serving the community. This includes:
- One Vision: A contribution to purchase a new van (£2,000)
- Watford Community Housing: Funding for lunch club at Leavesden Green (£2,000)
- New Hope: Funding to purchase food for Haven (£2,000)
- W3RT: Funding for welcoming space at the Barn (£2,000)
- Watford CA: Funding to purchase food vouchers (£2,000)
- HSO - Herts Schools Outreach: Funding to continue supporting Beechfield School (£1,930)
- Watford Foodbank: To purchase food for foodbank (£2,000)
- You Matter: Contribution to family fun day in June 2024 (£2,000)
- Octagon Music Society: Contribution to allow for free tickets for music concert (£2,000)
- Home Start - Watford and Three Rivers: Contribution to costs of family groups (£2,000)
- Watford Phoenix Choir: Funding to hold fundraising concerts for local charities (£2,000)
- Herts Young Homeless: Contribution towards HYH Education Service (£2,000)
- Raise: Funding for NHS Big Tea and 'Bake Off' (£2,000)
- Watford Jazz Junction: Contribution to costs of stage for Jazz Steps 2024 (£2,000)
Photo from fundraising events and grant recipants
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “I'm thrilled to announce that we've distributed these grants to so many groups through the Watford Community Fund. This money, raised through fundraising events, will help local charities and organisations provide essential services and support to our community.
“Our focus this year has been on tackling the cost-of-living crisis and supporting community events. The grants will enable these groups to continue their great work, making a tangible difference in the lives of Watford residents."
For more information about the Watford Community Fund and its initiatives, please visit watfordcommunityfund.com. To take part in the lottery, please visit watfordcommunitylottery.co.uk.
