Hertfordshire Community Foundation

**Transforming people's generosity into stronger local communities** Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF) is an independent charity that aims to encourage local philanthropy, the giving of time, resources or both by local people to help support their local communities. Hertfordshire is a county of contrasts. It is often perceived to be a prosperous county with a vibrant local economy. However, if you dig a little deeper you will find pockets of disadvantage in every district. We seek to address this deprivation by bringing together local people who care with local causes that matter. We help find funding for local charitable and voluntary groups that do not attract mass public support. The strength of our communities affects all aspects of our life from our health and wellbeing to our local economy and environment. We believe that communities are powerful sources of friendship, support and a sense of belonging. Our endeavour is to foster a strong sense of community and joint responsibility to create sustainable ways to solve local issues through local investment. Since inception in 1988, we have awarded over £20 million in support to local communities. HCF currently manages over 100 funds on behalf of individuals, families, companies and other organisations. During 2022/23 we awarded over £5million in direct grant aid to charitable projects working to help the most vulnerable residents of Hertfordshire. We provide: - philanthropy advice and giving options for individuals, families, businesses and charities - funding and other support for groups and individuals - leadership on vital issues in our communities **Brief History:** We are [one of 47 community foundations](https://www.ukcommunityfoundations.org/our-network) in the UK, and over 1,800 similar foundations around the world. Community foundations collaborate with private philanthropists, family trusts, businesses and the public sector to provide a permanent, flexible and growing source of local charitable funding. For the past 30 years, Hertfordshire Community Foundation has offered a professional, flexible service to assist donors, whether individuals, companies or trusts as well as public authorities and agencies, to achieve their charitable giving objectives, whatever the area of interest or level of giving.