Grace Muriel Legacy Fund
Small Grants Programme
Group Grants Closed
Grants reopen Spring 2027
The Grace Muriel Small Grants Fund for community groups is now closed.
To register your interest for the next round in 2027 please email us on GMLF@staopt.org so we can add you to the Groups mailing list.
The Grace Muriel Legacy Fund (GMLF) is a designated fund established with a gift from Abbeyfield St Albans Society Limited, which previously owned and operated Grace Muriel House, a residential care home in St Albans.
About GMLF
The Fund honours the care home’s legacy and provides grants to local projects that benefit older people living in the St Albans district who are in need, hardship or distress.
Through the small grants programme, constituted community groups or charities, which provide activities and services for residents aged 60 or over in the St Albans District, can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to reduce their financial distress, support their physical health, mental health or general wellbeing.
Funding priorities
- Improved physical health, mental health or general wellbeing for residents aged 60 or over.
- Reduced financial distress for residents aged 60 or over.
Closing date
Friday 20 March 2026 at 5pm
What can be funded
- Projects for which approximately 80% or more of the beneficiaries are aged 60 or older.
- Projects for which approximately 80% or more of the beneficiaries live within St Albans District.
- Running costs, equipment, items, also new or ongoing projects and activities
What cannot be funded
- Retrospective funding, contributions towards large general fundraising or commercial ventures, fundraising, giving cash or gifts directly to individuals.
- Services or activities that promote one particular faith or religious belief, although the fund could support a faith group that is delivering something that is inclusive and open to all.
- Applications that support the furtherance of any one political party.
Who can apply
- Constituted Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations. Organisations do not have to be registered charities.
- Social Enterprise Organisations, CICs or CIOs
- Statutory organisations
Who cannot apply
- Private companies and individuals, organisations that have more than 12 month’s reserves, organisations whose purpose is to give out funding to other groups and organisations which do not have a constitution, bank account and management committee/trustees.
Application Process
Before you apply, please read the full Grants Guidelines.
You need to complete an online application form.
Please note
You will need to complete the online application form in one session, as drafts will not be saved. We therefore suggest that you save a copy of the application form as a Word document, so that you have a list of all the questions that you will need to answer. You can then cut and paste your answers into the online form, in one session.
Closing date
Friday 20 March 2026 at 5pm
Questions and Support
If you are unsure whether your organisation or project is eligible, or if you are unable use a computer please call the Grants Manager for a brief discussion on 01727 260701.
If you need training in writing funding applications, the Hertfordshire Community Foundation runs training courses.
Previous Grants
| Grant organisation | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey Farm Community Centre | £3,000 | To provide a wider variety of activities and entertainment, including seated keep-fit, participatory music-making, crafting and the hiring of freelance speakers; an annual excursion in the Summer and a trip out for a Christmas meal. |
| Herts Vision Loss | £5,000 | The Visionary Seniors Project will provide access to the St Albans Talking Newspaper, improving information access and community engagement, as well as health and wellbeing sessions. |
| LeeAnna's Wish | £5,000 | Mindful Mondays - Weekly Dementia friendly events, promoting health and wellbeing for people pre or post diagnosis for mild cognitive impairment or dementia. |
| Age UK | £3,000 | Age Friendly St Albans in partnership with Age Friendly: Live Better project |
| Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care | £3,000 | Compassionate Neighbours - an inspiring and life-enhancing initiative which is a volunteer-led project designed to reduce loneliness and isolation |
| Hertfordshire Libraries | £5,000 | St Albans District Winterfest - In October 2026 St Albans, Harpenden and Marshalswick Libraries will put on a week of activities targeting Over 60s in the St Albans District, focussing on preparing local older residents for winter. |
| St Albans Mencap | £4,605 | Tuesday at Trinity is a weekly wellbeing and social support session for older adults, with approximately 80% of attendees aged 60+. |
| Small Acts of Kindness | £3,000 | Small Acts of Kindness Warm in Winter gift bags and Purple Pages information packs |
| St Albans Food bank | £5,000 | Supporting Older Residents in St Albans District through the Food, Connection and Community scheme |
| Shopmobility | £3,000 | Purchased 2 Dehumidifiers to prevent further damage by mildew and damp to Shopmobility equipment in the store in Drovers Way Car Park. |
| Herts Musical Memories | £3,000 | Singing sessions and social meet ups amongst individuals and their Carers going through dementia. |
| London Colney Parish Council | £3,000 | Seated Exercise & Seated Yoga Classes |
| Wheathampstead Chapel | £5,000 | Community Kitchen - Warm Meals and a Warm Welcome |
| Medialis Wellbeing | £2,500 | We CAN - Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation in St Albans |
| Active Lifestyles | £2,500 | Chair and movement exercise groups that are inclusive to all abilities with sensory or physical and medical disabilities |
