Cash on offer to deserving causes (From Watford Observer)

Cash on offer to deserving causes

10:08am Tuesday 6th January 2009 in Watford CVS

Thousands of pounds will be pumped into Watford’s community groups and clubs thanks to a major government grant initiative.

Around £2.4m will be available nto small not-for-profit organisations in Hertfordshire, who can apply for up to £5,000 from the Grassroots Small Grants Programme.

Anne Boyd, Funding Adviser from Watford Council for Voluntary Service (Watford CVS), which is helping to distribute Watford’s share of the fund, said: “This is a marvellous pot of money for small groups as it is open to virtually anyone.

"If they only need a couple of thousand pounds to help with hall hire, then this is perfect.”

The first group to benefit from the programme in Watford is Mums In Action which aims to bring families and communities together through holding educational and social events. They have been granted £3,530.

Other groups that have been awarded grants are Herts Tamil Centre which aims to improve the quality of life of older people and COMMENT which aims to support members of the African community who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

Any community or voluntary group which ahs been operating for more than 12 months and has an annual income of less than £20,000 is eligible to apply.

The cash was allocated to the Hertfordshire Community Foundation and Watford CVS will help distribute around £5,000 per month.

In total, £130m of government money will be spent nationwide via the Grassroots Small Grants Programme during the next 27 months.

Anne said: “This is really good news for Watford – it’s really going to help small groups and they should take advantage of this opportunity."

Anne runs free monthly workshops which inform groups on the programme’s criteria, who is eligible to apply and the documentation required. At the workshops she also gives tips on how to complete the application form. The next two workshops will taking place on Monday, January 12 between 10am and noon and Monday, January 19, between 7pm and 9pm at Watford CVS.

To book your workshop place or for more details about the grant programme contact Anne on 01923 254400 or email anne.boyd@watfordcvs.net