To enable us to continue to support the voluntary sector as it recovers from the pandemic and to enable it to support the local community with the various crises it faces, we are delighted to announce three funding opportunities that we will be managing for the first few months of this financial year. 

Mayor's Small Grants Fund (Watford Only)

We are delighted to be supporting Watford Borough Council, with the Mayor Small Grant Fund programme. A total of £50,000 is available and applications open from 1 April 2022. All applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis and the fund will close once all funds have been awarded.   

This fund aims to provide informal groups, ‘not for profit’ Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) constituted organisations, registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CIC) and sports clubs the opportunity to apply for a small grant of up to £3,000 to help towards:

• A community initiative or project including centenary events that bring communities together
• Items of equipment including sports equipment
• A community initiative, project/event that supports health & wellbeing
• Green/sustainable projects – that support our commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of the borough

The application form will be available here from 9am on 1 April 2022. In the meantime, please have a look at the Guidance Notes, FAQs and Application Form Questions. These documents will help you prepare your application and if you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

Three Rivers Sustainability Fund (Three Rivers Only)

Following the successful grant programme last year, we are delighted to continue to manage a funding pot for sustainability projects in Three Rivers district. This fund is available to voluntary organisations whose projects/activities support the communities in Three Rivers area and help with the climate change crisis. 

The activities that are to be funded should align with the Sustainable Development Goals or be in pursuit of sustainability solutions, to help combat the challenges faced by Covid-19. If your project does not fit those mentioned directly but is linked to mitigating climate change, and enhancing sustainability, do not hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to see how we can assist. This is a rolling application process and we will provide an update once the funds have all been allocated.

Apply using the online application form here and you can read the full guidance notes and eligibility criteria here.

Community Wealth Building and Renewal Fund (Watford and Three Rivers)

Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council has secured funding through the 2021 Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities ‘Community Renewal Fund’. The purpose of the funding is to enable local voluntary, community, faith, social enterprise and micro-businesses to increase or expand existing projects that support economically inactive adults to improve their life skills, training and job prospects.

Applications will need to demonstrate their potential to create work, skills and professional development opportunities for adults who are long term unemployed or economically inactive. This may involve supporting someone to stay in work, improve their prospects, engage in training or even become self-employed. Applications for funding open on the 25th March 2022 at 9am and close on the 18th April 2022 at 11:59pm. Applications will then be reviewed and approved by W3RT's Community Development Team as well as both Watford and Three Rivers Councils. Please note that due to the requirements of this fund, all outputs and outcomes must be completed by the 30th June 2022. 

Click here to apply through the online application form and you can review the guidance notes here.