Harpenden Trust

The Trust's Community Fund supports projects benefiting children and young people, older people, disabled people and the general public, all within Harpenden (AL5). Funded causes include youth education and curriculum trips, elder care tackling fuel poverty and social isolation, disability and mental health support, community development, environment, sport and recreation. Grants can cover project delivery, capital works and equipment — for example playground improvements, environmental schemes, or recreational facilities. The emphasis is on grassroots, local activity that builds resilience and social cohesion. While the Trust also provides direct individual aid such as clothing, food vouchers or white goods after home visits, its community grants are aimed at organisations delivering tangible benefits to Harpenden residents.

Applications are open to community groups, registered charities, schools and faith groups serving Harpenden (AL5). Beneficiaries include children and young people, older people, disabled people and the wider community. The Trust prioritises grassroots projects with a clear local focus, delivered by volunteers or organisations with strong roots in the area. Both established charities and informal community groups are welcome to apply, and there is no religious restriction on applicants.

The Trust does not fund core organisational costs, salaries, deficits or regular running expenses. It makes single cash grants for specific needs, not ongoing income, and does not provide multi-year or unrestricted funding. Projects and activities must serve Harpenden (AL5), reflecting the Trust's hyperlocal remit.

The Trust makes single cash grants for specific projects, capital works or equipment, rather than ongoing commitments. It does not offer multi-year grants or unrestricted funding. Alongside community grants, it provides direct individual assistance, with volunteers carrying out home visits to assess needs and supply essentials such as clothing, food vouchers or white goods. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications from local groups, in keeping with its open, grassroots approach.