The grants are funded through East Herts’ share of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and money raised via East Herts Lottery. The total amount available for grants this year will be in excess of £80,000.
Three types of funding are available:
• Community grants of between £300 and £3,000 for projects which benefit the wider community of East Herts. Priority will be given to initiatives which support areas of disadvantage and low income.
• Cultural activities grants of between £500 and £5,000 for projects which broaden cultural opportunities across the district, with a particular focus on involving people who have previously had limited access to culture and the arts.
• Environmental sustainability grants of between £300 and £3,000 for projects such as the installation of low/zero carbon infrastructure, EV charging points and bike racks, community sustainability projects, and tree planting.
To mark the launch of the scheme, Councillor Alex Daar, East Herts Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, joined a SEND dance and movement session run by previous grant recipient, Imagination Dance CIC.
She said: “Community grants provide support and impetus to many extremely valuable community initiatives across East Herts. This year’s equal focus on community, cultural and environmental sustainability goals will,we hope, build stronger, better connected communities which work together to solve problems.”
Hannah Reynolds, Director of Imagination Dance CIC, said: “The funding we received last year has supported our costs, enabling us to buy props needed for the sensory and creative elements of our classes. We are very proud to be able to offer children and young people the chance to join classes that are inclusive, welcoming and where they can just be themselves.”
Grant applications can be made until Monday 22 January 2024 and will be assessed on rolling basis. Payments will be made to successful applicants by 31 March 2024. To find out more about the process and the criteria which will be applied, interested individuals and organisations should visit the East Herts website: https://www.eastherts.gov.uk/grants-guidelines
