As our local County Councillor, Allan Siao Ming Witherick has a “Locality Budget” of £10,000 a year to spend on local community groups, activities and the like.  Last year the focus was on both activities for young people, but also on providing support to organisations which help those during the recession.  This saw grants being made for well known local groups, like the successful St Albans Judo Club, and St Albans Youth Council as well as some of the smaller organisations such as St Albans Credit Union.
(You can see a full list below.)

This year he is already searching for other worthy causes, groups and organisations to support.  They can be based in Batchwood, or Marshalswick South, or outside of the area, but they must be able to show how they benefit local residents, or the wider community.

If you think your organisation could benefit you can contact Allan at [email protected] or find out more about making a grant application at:
http://www.hertsdirect.org/localitybudget

Last year the grants made included:
St Albans Judo Club £3000 – To help make capital repairs to the facility.
Pioneer Club St Albans £2000 – To help improve facilities for users.
Summer Sounds ’10 (St Albans Youth Council) £1000 – A project chosen by young people for young people.
Centre for Voluntary Service St Albans City & District £1000 – To encourage volunteering etc.
Community Payback (St Albans City & District Council) £500 – To to paint railings etc.
Computer Friendly £500 – To support teaching older people about the internet.
Hertfordshire Practical Parenting Programme Ltd £500 – To support families in need.
St Albans District Credit Union £500 – To support local people with financial concerns.
Home-Start St Albans City & District £500 – To support local families with housing concerns.
Verulam Community Radio (Radio Verulam 92.6 FM) £500 – To invest in new equipment.