Good causes in Hertfordshire could win share of £250k prize fund

Community groups in Hertfordshire can now apply for a share of £250,000, available through Jewson Building Better Communities.

Through the competition, which launched on Monday April 9, good causes can apply for funding for building materials to improve their facilities: whether it’s a new roof for a village hall or revamping changing rooms at a sports club. 

Now in its fourth year, the Building Better Communities initiative will award one community project up to £50,000, as well as many smaller prizes to other projects. 

Woodfield School in Hemel Hempstead (pictured above) was awarded some of the prize money last year.

As well as supporting local community groups, Jewson will give away £100,000 of the overall prize fund to heroes of the building trade. These heroes are unsung tradespeople who go above and beyond in their local area or builders who have always supported others but now find themselves in need.  

Entrants have until May 9 to submit their application. After a shortlisting process and a public vote, the winning projects will be announced on July 3 at a ceremony hosted by celebrity architect, George Clarke.

George Clarke, who is involved in Building Better Communities for the second year running, said: “The funds donated as part of the Building Better Communities competition are making a huge difference to local charities and community groups across Great Britain, and can do the same for those in Hertfordshire. We know there are groups doing great work on a daily basis, so it’s an honour to be supporting them and I’m really looking forward to learning about this year’s entries.” 

Thierry Dufour, Managing Director at Jewson, said: “Since we launched the Building Better Communities competition in 2015, we’ve helped more than 65 fantastic projects make a different to communities across the UK. We’ve seen the great work being carried out by communities and tradespeople, and want to give back to those who go the extra mile. That’s why we’re continuing to ask residents in Hertfordshire to nominate a cause that could benefit from some extra support.” 

Hertfordshire community groups and tradespeople have until Wednesday May 9 to submit their entry via www.buildingbettercommunities.co.uk. The competition is being supported by Jewson supplier brands: Velux; Marshalls, Polypipe; British Gypsum; Tarmac; Recticel and Norbord. 

For more information, visit: www.buildingbettercommunities.co.uk.