Grants schemes' boost

Changes to the way Hertsmere Borough Council allocates funding to local community and voluntary groups has been improved to further support local need.

Councillor Brenda Batten, Leisure, Culture and Health portfolio holder, said: “We are committed to maintaining support for local organisations that benefit our residents, and we value the work that they do in our communities. But in the difficult economic climate, it’s essential we ensure public money is being spent wisely and achieves maximum benefit.

“Therefore we are changing the way we allocate our voluntary funding and improving it to better meet local need. These changes will offer greater support to the voluntary sector and use the money we have available to best meet Hertsmere’s long term goals.”

The main change is separating the budget into two key areas: three-year Partnership Agreements and Community Grants.

The Partnership Agreements, tailored to each organisation, will be for a three-year period, have agreed outcomes, and be monitored on a quarterly basis. They’ll offer stability to organisations which will help them in turn to obtain funding from other sources.

Community Grants allow organisations to apply for one-off revenue or capital grants, up to £3,000, for a specific project or purchase. All applications will be considered by a cross-party Grant Panel, and assessed on its value for money, community involvement, impact on need and its link to the council’s corporate goals.

A full list of the organisations being supports is here, but examples include Hertsmere Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Bushey Museum, Community Action Hertsmere, Potters Bar Historical Society and Borehamwood Seniors.

Cllr Batten added: “Our voluntary sector organisations carry out fantastic work in our communities and I do hope local organisations will take advantage of the scheme and apply for the next round of funding when it becomes available early next year.

The next round of grants will be available from February. Look out for details on how to apply nearer the time. Find out more about our grants.

The Voluntary Sector Funding Review report was discussed at the Executive meeting on Wednesday 7 December. You can read the full reports.