Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF) is giving grants of up to £500 to help struggling households cope with rising energy costs.
Designed to support those most in need, including disadvantaged families with young children, the elderly and the disabled, the grants will go towards energy bills, water bills and essentials such as cookers and washing machines.
Herefordshire Community Foundation CEO Bridie Sullivan explained: “Rising energy costs are a real worry for many of us but certain households are facing unbelievable hardship. We hope to alleviate some of the stress by opening applications now. We plan to have committed significant funds by the end of September and urge applications to be made as soon as possible.”
To access a grant, an online application will need to be made on your behalf by a referral organisation or care professional such as Citizens Advice Bureau, local food bank, social worker, debt advisor or employment coach.
Payments are then made direct to the utility company or via your pre-paid meter.
Applications can now be made by referral agencies via the fuel poverty form on HCF’s website: sforce.co/3Qddvdh
Funding for the grants comes from the Household Support Fund, which HCF is administering on behalf of Herefordshire Council and which is provided by the UK Government’s Department for Work & Pensions.
About Herefordshire Community Foundation
Herefordshire Community Foundation (HCF) has been operating for 20 years and over this time has donated £6m to worthy causes in the county. HCF is an independent charity, set up to serve the needs of Herefordshire and it has a clear understanding of where its support is most required.Community Foundations can be found in all counties, working with individuals, families and businesses to design bespoke grant-making strategies for their region. Collectively, the UK’s Community Foundations are the country’s fourth largest grant maker.
