Grants of up to £2,000 available for projects that will strengthen communities in St Albans District
Grants of up to £2,000 are available for projects that will make St Albans District more inclusive, accessible and connected.
St Albans City and District Council has launched the first round of its Community Project Fund for 2026/27.
Community groups and charities are invited to apply for the funding if they are running a suitable project.
The Council is looking to support projects that:
Improve accessible communication – ensuring information shared across the District can be understood and accessed by all communities.
Reducing digital exclusion – supporting residents who don’t have access to digital devices, or who may struggle to use them confidently.
Engaging children and young people – helping them feel involved, able to access services, and empowered to influence change.
Building an Age Friendly District – creating opportunities for older residents to have a voice and take part in local services.
Councillor Sarwar Shamsher, Lead for Inclusion, said:
We are pleased to continue to offer this financial support despite the pressure on the Council’s budget.
Community groups and charities do a fantastic job helping some of our residents who may face additional barriers.
This funding will help people across our communities to thrive—whether that’s older residents building digital skills, young people being supported with their mental wellbeing or individuals building connections and overcoming isolation.
It is vital that we support this work to strengthen our communities and ensure everyone feels included.
I would urge any groups out there with a project that fits with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy to consider making an application.
The first round is for projects that will be delivered from September 2026 to March 2027.
Applicants should first submit an expression of interest and they will then be asked to fill in a full application if they are judged to have met the grant criteria. Details of how to do this are available on the Council’s website.
The fund has around £45,000 to distribute and among the projects that were supported last year were:
Harpenden Mencap: training and support to empower people with learning disabilities to increase their digital confidence, stay connected to friends and perform essential online tasks such as shopping, banking and arranging medical appointments. Awarded £2000.
Sandridge Road Allotment Association: a cabin for workshops, shelter and social activities to enable plot holders with reduced physical capacity or a change in circumstances to continue their vegetable gardening. Awarded £500
The Adda Club: Community Connections, a quarterly paper newsletter for the South Asian Community with articles on council and local health services, healthy eating and social opportunities. Awarded £2000.
Two information events for groups considering an application are being held, one online on Thursday 25 June, 1pm to 1.45pm, and one in person at the Civic Centre, St Albans, on Monday 29 June, 6pm to 7pm.
Anyone wishing to attend should book a place by emailing vcsgrants@stalbans.gov.uk or phoning 01727819340.
Media Contacts: www.stalbans.gov.uk/news-and-whats.