Stort Valley Rotary

Stort Valley Rotary, legally registered as Helping Herts (charity number 284482), is a Rotary club-based charitable trust established in 1982, dedicated to empowering children, young people, families, and people with disabilities in Hertfordshire through ethical fundraising, grant-giving, and innovative partnerships. Rooted in Rotary values of service above self, collaboration, transparency, and community improvement, it operates under the Helping Herts brand to drive local change, building resources for grassroots charities, match-funding events, and raising awareness via coordinated campaigns—leveraging strong volunteer networks and convening power unique to its dual Rotary-trust identity.

It prioritises projects addressing youth mental health, disability inclusion, poverty alleviation, wellbeing, education, and safeguarding, supporting therapies, inclusive sports, respite care, volunteer development, and community events for disadvantaged groups in East Hertfordshire, especially Bishop’s Stortford, Stansted, and surrounds. Beneficiaries are typically small local charities (often under £500k income) delivering direct impact, with frequent partners like Grove Cottage (Mencap) and Isabel Hospice.

Eligible entities are UK-registered charities based exclusively in Hertfordshire; no religious restrictions apply, but unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding arises via invitation, networking, or periodic open calls (e.g., Helping Herts Charity Partner programme) using tailored online forms during announced windows like May 2025. Decisions are rolling, with no fixed deadlines; enquire via clare@helpingherts.com for partnerships.

Typical grants range £2,500–£10,000, up to £20,000 for match-funded campaigns; it avoids unrestricted or emergency grants, favouring collaborative, project-based, or capacity-building support over capital items without clear beneficiary links. Its partnership-driven, event-led model distinguishes it from generalist funders, amplifying smaller charities' reach.