Grants

What is it?

The Community Project Fund is for time-limited projects which meet community needs and help reach the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy priorities or our wider inclusion priorities of Age Friendly and Health outcomes, as below:

• Engaging better with children and young people (children and young people feeling engaged, accessing services and influencing change)
• Tackling exclusion in the move to digital services for those who do not have access to computers, mobile phone or laptops or may struggle to use digital devices
• Ensuring communications are accessible for all (enabling residents across all demographics to engage with information shared in the District)
• Support the District in becoming an Age Friendly Community, i.e. enabling older people to have a voice and engage in services
• Support people in the district with identified health needs, in particular those with dementia, anxiety and 'low happiness' as outlined in the Health and Wellbeing profile for St Albans

Who can apply?

Voluntary and community-sector organisations, social enterprise organisations and community interest companies.

How do I apply?

After reading the guidance below, please complete this Microsoft Form to apply. 

It is highly recommended that you prepare your answers in advance by using the template document below to view the questions. 

Communities 1st provide advice and support to groups who are applying to St Albans City and District Community Project Fund. You are encouraged to take up this service to support you with the formulation of your project and the application. Email Communities 1st on StAlbansGrants@communities1st.org.uk to make an appointment.

How much is available?

Groups can apply for grants over £200 and under £2,000.

How do I find out more?

A hybrid Grants Information Session will be held on 14 May 17:15-18:30 in the Council offices and on Teams. To let us know you would like to attend in person or to receive the Teams link to the session, email vcsgrants@stalbans.gov.uk  

Everything you need to know about applying for the Community Project Fund can be found in the Criteria and Guidance document below. Please read this carefully before starting an application. 

• Community Project Fund 2025-26 Criteria and Guidance ( pdf - 520.57 KB )
• Community Project Fund 2025-26 Template ( pdf - 185.13 KB )

SADC fund two partners whose work is considered to be of strategic importance to the delivery of the Council’s priorities.

The strategic partners for 2024-25 are:  

• Communities 1st
• Citizens Advice St Albans District (CASTAD)