Watford Rotary Club has announced changes to its grant distribution, with the aim of benefitting charities it has not previously supported.

The club is now inviting charities to apply for funding in a move geared towards minimising the exclusion of groups unfamiliar to the club who may have missed previous grants.

With the revamped process, not only will successful charities obtain grants, but they may also feature in the Watford Observer's 'Charity of the Month' articles, which are aimed at raising awareness about their work.

In doing so this newspaper is seeking to support Watford Rotary's efforts to increase visibility for smaller nearby charities.

Watford Rotary particularly wants to hear from groups working in mental health, environmental projects, and initiatives which support Watford residents, with a focus on youth.

Applications are currently being accepted, with the first set of grants scheduled to be handed out in December 2024, and the second tranche due in March 2025.

Watford Rotary is part of Rotary International, a globally recognised humanitarian organisation with more than 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries.

They actively engage in a diverse range of humanitarian causes including promoting peace, fighting diseases, providing clean water, supporting education, economic growth, and environmental protection.

The service club, which primarily supports charities in and around Watford, encourages any individual passionate about philanthropy to join their ranks.

Club President Rabi Martins said: "If you are someone who enjoys doing community good you would be very welcome to join our club.

"We have been going 100 years and we need new members to keep going for a hundred more."

Watford Rotary's work does not go unnoticed by the beneficiaries.

Cathartic, an organisation run by Nicky Day and Maria Todesco, provides support groups for bereaved children and teenagers, and services for people living with early-onset dementia.

They stated: "Watford Rotary Club's support for our organisation has been incredible.

"Their kindness, passion and dedication to fundraising has meant our organisation could run support groups for bereaved children and teenagers, to host a special place where they can meet up, connect with peers facing similar challenges, feel safe and have a creative outlet.

"Their support has also helped facilitate services for people living with young onset dementia (a diagnosis before 65 years of age) where they can escape the challenges that living with this illness can present.

"We want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all the effort they put in to support our local community - we are forever grateful."

Watford Blind Centre, a charity for the visually impaired run by Jenny Marsh, chair of trustees, also acknowledged the club's support.

She said: "Watford Rotary have been a huge supporter of our charity for many years providing financial help as well as weekly support.

"Rotary have been an amazing supporter and chose us as one of the main benefactors of their centenary year fundraising, presenting us with a cheque for £6000."

For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the club via email watfordrotary@btinternet.com or their website.