Funding Local Causes

Community Spaces Fund - Grants to enable groups to open their doors wide to their community

Also known as Cool/Warm Spaces. Funding is being made available by Hertfordshire County Council as part of the Government’s Household Support Grant

Grants are available to groups who can provide somewhere for local people to:

  • Socialise and participate in activities

  • Access Warm Spaces in winter

  • Access Cool Spaces in summer



In particular, the funding is to support groups who welcome those who are vulnerable or have been affected by the rising cost of living, by providing them with a free, welcoming and safe space.

Your community space could be something set up specifically to help local people, or an extension to an existing service that your community group already offers in order to help more people. If you have previously delivered a successful registered warm or cool space, to apply again it needs to be at least six months after your previous grant.

The Warm and Cool Spaces initiatives to date have enabled many community venues to open their doors to residents. This further funding has been made available by Hertfordshire County Council as part of the Government’s Household Support Grant. It is to enable community groups to add to the network of safe, trusted places where residents can come together and socialise. Hertfordshire County Council has worked in collaboration with district councils and other partners, to create the network of Community Spaces

Applications are welcome from charities, community and voluntary groups, and not for profit organisations. Parish Councils working alongside community groups are also welcome to apply, as well as any previously registered Warm or Cool Spaces.

We encourage organisations to provide Community Spaces which are free and accessible by all communities in Hertfordshire.
Who can apply?

You can apply if you work or volunteer for a group that:

  • is based in Hertfordshire

  • is a not for profit, voluntary or community group or faith group

  • runs a venue, like a village hall, community centre, or religious building - or operates a service in a venue which could be used as a community space

  • has a Safeguarding policy that covers the activities you want us to fund plus a policy covering COVID and infectious diseases

  • has an up to date Risk Assessment

  • has up to date Public Liability insurance


We would also encourage groups to speak to others in their area to agree who is best placed to become a ‘community space’.

What can we fund?

Anything that will help you to provide a welcoming community space to those who need it, including the following:

  • extra energy costs

  • transport to venue

  • volunteer expenses

  • provision of free or subsidised drinks and food

  • training



Please note that this fund is reserved for new or extensions to existing Community Spaces, it is not to be used for running costs of your existing service. For example, if you are already offering a coffee morning, you would need to extend your existing hours or offer an additional service to be eligible for funding.

Transport

If you are a rural space or need to help residents to get to your venue, you are able to apply for up to £500 via this application in addition to the £2,000 for the Community Space to facilitate transport.

Useful Resources - please read

All successful groups will be required to register on the HCC Community Spaces directory so that people can find you easily and see what you can offer. Click here to go the HCC page to see the directory and also to find a range of useful resources that can support you in running your Community Space including links to policies, advice and training.

To prepare for extreme heat we recommend you follow Public Health guidance here

Before applying please read the guidance notes below.
HCC Community Spaces Guidance Aug 2024
Guidance notes and eligibility criteria


If you are unsure of your eligibility please contact us at grants@hertscf.org.uk in the first instance.

APPLY HERE For Community Spaces


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