Community groups invited to apply for record level of support
H&F is excited to launch an ambitious new round of third sector investment grants, under our Third Sector Investment Strategy. The purpose of the fund is to strengthen our support for H&F's Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) so that we can better support our residents.
After ongoing funding commitments to VCS groups, up to £2.6m remains available for funding new grants from 1 April 2025 to ensure that together we are able to improve the quality of life for our residents.
We want to help maintain a strong and capable third sector that is well equipped to support our rapidly changing communities, and help build stronger, active, and more connected communities across our borough.
The council is committed to full transparency and accountability for the ways public money is spent, and reductions in government funding is making this more important than ever.
This investment must therefore deliver outcomes over and above those already delivered by the council. There will be an expectation that successful organisations are able to showcase and demonstrate the outcomes being delivered.
The priorities for this round of funding are:
- Building a better future for children and young people.
- Promoting healthier, longer and more independent living.
- Promoting fairness, equity, and inclusion across our borough (including supporting refugees and asylum seekers in the borough).
- Preventing poverty and its impacts.
- Making H&F a great place in which to live, work and thrive – including for sports and culture.
- Creating a safer and resilient borough for everyone.
- Tackling the climate emergency.
When and how can I apply?
Online applications are open from 8 August to 9am on 1 October 2024.
The funding period will run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028.
How to use the application form
To complete this form, you will need to have available:
- Your organisation's information including website, social media links, your charity number, contact details, name of your chair of trustees (or equivalent), address of your organisation and more.
- Your financial plans to deliver the proposed activity, service, or project.
- Your governing document and latest audited accounts in PDF format.
This form will take some time to complete and we strongly advise that you select the option to log in or register for a My Account to access this form as this will enable you to use the save function.
You will be prompted to log in or register after following the link to the application form.
Applications for this round of funding closed at 9am on 1 October 2024.
The funding for beyond 31 March 2026 will need to be approved as part of the council's annual budget process and to reflect the financial challenges that are being faced.
How will applications be assessed?
After careful consideration and having listened to feedback, we have updated the assessment criteria to better meet the changing needs of our communities. After the closing date, applications will be checked for eligibility.
Applications that meet these requirements will progress to be assessed. The document linked below identifies the outcomes we want for residents and the criteria that will be used to assess grants through a competitive application process. This document must be read before submitting the application form.
How can I learn more?
We have recently hosted four online information sessions.
Although we won't be hosting any more sessions, you can still view the slides we presented for these online events.
Any questions about the process should be directed only to the Community Investment email inbox at: cit@lbhf.gov.uk
Applicants who require additional assistance completing an application should also contact the Community Investment inbox (above).
Documents
(The above document is essential reading.)