Hertfordshire Children's Fund

The Hertfordshire Children's Fund has been supporting disadvantaged children (ages 0-18, or up to 25 with disabilities) in Hertfordshire since 1996. The fund provides grants of up to £500 for families in crisis to purchase essential household items including white goods like cookers, washing machines, and fridge freezers, as well as children's beds, baby items, and specialist medical equipment. The programme aims to help keep families safe, healthy, and clean by providing basic necessities they cannot otherwise afford. Applications must be submitted by supporting professionals who work with the family, such as social workers, children's centres, housing associations, or charitable organizations. Direct applications from individuals or families are not accepted. The fund operates on limited resources and can only fund one white good per family. Awards are provided in the form of e-vouchers to approved suppliers, which the supporting professional manages on behalf of the family. The programme reviews applications through a panel process, with decisions typically made within approximately one month. Successful applicants receive vouchers for specified suppliers to purchase approved items, and must provide proof of purchase within one month. The fund relies on both a small endowment and generous donations to meet growing demand for assistance.