Watford Council announces grant funding for groups

The money from the Watford Community Fund, sourced largely from community initiatives and the town's popular community lottery, will support vital services and aid community outreach efforts.

This year's programme focused on helping residents affected by issues like the cost-of-living crisis.

The Watford Community Fund Golf Day (Image: Supplied)

The Watford Community Golf Cup made the largest contribution to the fund, raising £11,000. Combined with proceeds from an auction and a quiz, they raised £18,200.

The community lottery has added £6,482.50 to the fund since June 2023. For every £1 ticket sold, 60p supports Watford's causes.

The Watford Community Fund gave grants to Home-Start (Image: Supplied)

The Watford Community Fund remains open, catering to changing needs in the town, and has awarded grants to a diverse range of groups tackling climate, poverty, and inequality issues. These include:

• One Vision: A contribution to purchase a new van (£2,000)
• Watford Community Housing: Funding for lunch club at Leavesden Green (£2,000)
• New Hope: Funding to purchase food for Haven (£2,000)
• W3RT: Funding for welcoming space at the Barn (£2,000)
• Watford CA: Funding to purchase food vouchers (£2,000)
• HSO - Herts Schools Outreach: Funding to continue supporting Beechfield School (£1,930)
• Watford Foodbank: To purchase food for foodbank (£2,000)
• You Matter: Contribution to family fun day in June 2024 (£2,000)
• Octagon Music Society: Contribution to allow for free tickets for music concert (£2,000)
• Home Start - Watford and Three Rivers: Contribution to costs of family groups (£2,000)
• Watford Phoenix Choir: Funding to hold fundraising concerts for local charities (£2,000)
• Herts Young Homeless: Contribution towards HYH Education Service (£2,000)
• Raise: Funding for NHS Big Tea and 'Bake Off' (£2,000)
• Watford Jazz Junction: Contribution to costs of stage for Jazz Steps 2024 (£2,000)

Watford Community Fund awarded funds to Foodbank (Image: Supplied)

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: "I'm thrilled to announce that we've distributed these grants to so many groups through the Watford Community Fund. This money, raised through fundraising events, will help local charities and organisations provide essential services and support to our community.

"Our focus this year has been on tackling the cost-of-living crisis and supporting community events. The grants will enable these groups to continue their great work, making a tangible difference in the lives of Watford residents."