Grant News
Applications are now open for grants of up to £4,000 to support environmental projects and activities benefiting communities across Dorset.
The funding is available through Dorset Community Foundation’s Green Futures Fund, which aims to conserve water, improve local environments and help young people develop environmental skills and career aspirations. The Foundation is a local charity that supports communities through grant funding.
Eligible applicants include registered charities, constituted community groups and voluntary organisations, and qualifying not-for-profit companies. National charities are generally excluded, although limited exceptions may apply.
The type of projects that can be funded include:
- Water conservation (highest priority): Projects that reduce water consumption, encourage water reuse, install rainwater harvesting systems, improve river and freshwater quality, or raise awareness of protecting water resources.
- Environmental education and opportunities for young people: Projects involving young people in environmental improvements, youth-led climate action, volunteering, skills development, work experience and exploring environmental careers.
- Community environmental improvements: Projects involving community gardens, beekeeping, biodiversity improvements, green space restoration, recycling, repair and reuse initiatives, energy efficiency, renewable energy, sustainable transport and litter picking.
Funding can support new projects, existing successful activities, expansion of services and pilot initiatives. Eligible expenditure includes core running costs, project delivery costs and reasonable capital costs, such as tools and equipment.
Key points
- Applicants must be locally based in Dorset.
- Groups need at least three unrelated people overseeing their organisation.
- Schools are not eligible but the Foundation can fund PTA groups if they meet eligibility guidelines
- Organisations holding more than 12 months' unrestricted reserves are usually ineligible.
Applications must be submitted online by midday on 16 November 2026. Successful projects must begin within two months of receiving funding and spend their grants within 12 months.
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