Supporting our community: Making a difference
At Harpenden Building Society, supporting our local community has always been at the heart and soul of everything we do and we’re proud to be committed to giving back to the community and local initiatives. One of the ways we do this is through our partnership with Hertfordshire Community Foundation (HCF).
Who are Hertfordshire Community Foundation?
HCF is an independent charity dedicated to making local giving easy, effective and impactful. For over 30 years, they’ve been providing vital grants to grassroots charities, volunteer-led groups and families facing crisis across the county. HCF ensures that generosity from local people and organisations reaches those who need it most.
These are often the smaller, unsung charities that many of us might not have heard of, yet their work is absolutely essential. Whether it’s mental health support for young people, homelessness services, or bereavement counselling for children, these local groups are there when people need them the most.
Our Harpenden Building Society Fund
Back in 2009, we set up our own charitable fund with HCF: The Harpenden Building Society Fund. This dedicated fund focuses on supporting projects related to children, health, and our local community.
Since then, we’ve awarded 43 grants, totalling over £206k and have helped improve the lives of over 19,000 local people.
In the last financial year alone (2023/24), we awarded 4 grants, totalling £19,162.75. These grants supported projects and services that benefited more than 900 people in our area - making a real and lasting difference.
2023/24
Local people benefiting 900 Grants awarded 4 Total funding Over £19k
Why this matters?
While national charities play an important role, it’s often the small, local organisations, those run by volunteers or people who’ve lived through difficult experiences themselves - who are there on the ground, providing immediate and personal support.
Find out more about Hertfordshire Community Foundation
43 Funding support supplied Over £206k
Number of grants we’ve awarded
19,000
2009 Local people positively impacted
Yet these charities can find it incredibly tough to survive, especially in today’s economic climate. They don’t have large fundraising teams or financial reserves, which is why the support we’re able to provide through HCF is so important.
Read more on our website about how we help our communities