W3RT CVS is passionate about supporting individuals with a passion for the community to develop their project and to allow them to support our communities. One example of this was with Local Organic Growers, a newly formed CIC whose directors were introduced to us following their award of £3,000 from the Watford Mayor’s Small Grants Fund in the spring of 2024. This funding was awarded to them to allow them to develop their community allotment in West Watford with the aim of allowing them to grow fresh fruit and vegetables for their volunteers and for local charities.

Due to not having any legal status of their own at the time, they were unable to be paid the funding directly. As a result and through W3RT CVS’ position in the community as a well-respected infrastructure organisation, we were paid the money Local Organic Growers were awarded and then to manage this funding for them through a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA). These agreements allowed the management committee of Local Organic Growers to carry out their activities without the need for a formal legal structure of their own.

Over the next few weeks and having signed the Agreement, we worked with the management committee to help shape their project. This included:

· Managing the funding they were awarded, ensuring all invoices were paid

· Supporting the committee with the formation and registration of Local Organic Growers as a Community Interest Company (CIC) so that they can develop future projects and to apply for funding in the future without the need for a partnership agreement with W3RT CVS.

Thanking W3RT CVS for their support through the process, Nabs Lilley, one of the directors of the CIC said that ‘W3RT CVS' support over the last six months was crucial to the development of Local Organic Growers as an organisation. Not only did they allow us to obtain funding from Watford Borough Council, but their advice and guidance has also ensured that the organisation has a bright and sustainable future’.

W3RT CVS provides a range of free support to voluntary and community organisation in the Watford and Three Rivers area thanks to funding from Watford Borough Council and Three Rivers District Council. You can find out more about our services by clicking here and if you or your organisation would like support, get in touch by emailing [email protected].