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 Watford Phoenix Choir, a local community choir who were introduced to us following their award of £475 from the Watford Mayor’s Small Grants Fund in the spring of 2024. This funding was awarded to them to allow them to host a Christmas fundraising concert in Watford benefiting a range of good causes in the town.  

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 Watford Phoenix Choir were awarded and then to manage this funding for them through a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA). These agreements allowed the management committee of the group 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
• Signposting the directors to other funding sources through the fortnightly CVS newsletter and at events voluntary organisations could attend. 

Thanking W3RT CVS for their support through the process, Diana Luheshi, a member of the Choir’s management committee said that ‘as a result of the grant managed by W3RT CVS, the choir were able to host a fundraising concert in December for New Hope which raised £750 for the charity. We would like to thank Alex and W3RT CVS for their support allowing us to put on this concert and raise vital funds for New Hope.’ For more information about Watford Phoenix Choir and to get involved with them, click here

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].