CFAs: High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Award Grant (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 02-Oct-2026

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Awards are inviting applications from charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, and other not-for-profit organisations supporting families with children and young people aged 18 and under who are experiencing significant life challenges in Hertfordshire. The 2026/27 theme, “Where families thrive, communities flourish,” recognises organisations providing holistic and innovative support to families affected by hardship, family breakdown, traumatic events, crime, addiction, disability, or additional needs. The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Awards were established to celebrate and recognise the contribution of voluntary organisations helping families across Hertfordshire overcome significant challenges. The awards highlight the work of charities and community organisations that provide essential frontline support and contribute to stronger and more resilient communities across the county. The 2026/27 awards focus specifically on organisations supporting families with children and young people aged 18 and under. The theme for the 2026/27 awards is: “Where families thrive, communities flourish.” The theme recognises organisations whose charitable work helps families overcome complex social and personal challenges while creating positive outcomes for children, young people, parents, and communities. The awards seek to highlight innovative approaches to addressing difficult social issues and recognise organisations delivering practical frontline services. The awards are aimed at organisations supporting families with children and young people aged 18 and under who are experiencing significant life challenges.

Relevant challenges may include:

Applicants should demonstrate how their charitable work provides holistic support and responds to the complex needs of families. The awards recognise the outstanding contribution of voluntary and charitable organisations supporting families in Hertfordshire.

Particular attention is given to organisations that

The awards are open to a range of voluntary, charitable, and not-for-profit organisations.

Eligible applicants include:

Applicants must either be based in Hertfordshire or demonstrate that their work directly benefits people living in Hertfordshire. Applicants must meet certain governance and organisational requirements.

Organisations must:

These requirements help ensure that applicants have an established organisational structure and appropriate governance arrangements. Previous award winners from 2026 are not eligible for the 2027 awards. Applicants should also ensure that they meet the required organisational and geographic conditions before applying. Organisations without a written constitution or set of rules, or those that do not have the required board structure, may not meet the eligibility requirements. A strong application should clearly explain how the organisation supports families with children and young people aged 18 and under.

Applicants should demonstrate:

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Awards recognise the role of voluntary organisations and charities in supporting families through difficult circumstances. By highlighting frontline services and innovative approaches, the awards showcase how community organisations can help families become more resilient and contribute to stronger communities across Hertfordshire. Applicants should prepare information that clearly demonstrates their organisation’s role in supporting families.

Key preparation points include:

Applicants should keep the following requirements in mind: The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Awards recognise voluntary organisations, charities, and community groups that provide important support to families facing significant life challenges in Hertfordshire. The theme is “Where families thrive, communities flourish.” The awards focus on organisations supporting families with children and young people aged 18 and under who are facing significant life challenges. Relevant challenges include family breakdown, sudden or traumatic life events, crime excluding domestic abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, disability, and additional needs. Yes. Charities are among the organisations eligible to apply. Yes. Community and voluntary groups can be eligible if they meet the stated organisational and geographic requirements. Yes. Community Interest Companies limited by guarantee can apply. An organisation must either be based in Hertfordshire or demonstrate that its work directly benefits people in Hertfordshire. Applicants must be governed by a board of at least three unrelated trustees, directors, or committee members. Yes. Applicants must have a written constitution or set of rules. No. Previous award winners from 2026 are not eligible for the 2027 awards. The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Awards 2027 recognise charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, CICs, and other not-for-profit organisations helping families with children and young people overcome significant life challenges. Under the theme “Where families thrive, communities flourish,” the awards highlight holistic support, innovative solutions, and essential frontline work that helps families build resilience and strengthens communities across Hertfordshire. For more information, visit Hertfordshire Community Foundation.