Grant News
Dorset Community Foundation has announced that the next round of its Neighbourhood Fund is now open for applications. The foundation is an independent charitable funder that supports smaller grassroots groups tackling local issues, social problems, poverty and disadvantage in the county.
A total of £60,000 is available in this round and the Foundation will award grants of up to £5,000. Funding can support core costs, service delivery and reasonable capital items, and can be used for existing services, service expansion, adapted delivery models or new activity.
Eligible applicants include registered charities, constituted community and voluntary organisations, CICs limited by guarantee and other not-for-profit companies limited by guarantee with suitable governing documents. Applicants must be local to Dorset, usually have annual expenditure below £250,000, and have the required governance, bank account and policies in place.
The fund particularly welcomes work that improves life for Dorset residents facing disadvantage, with added interest in projects supporting older people to live active and independent lives, as well as services for people experiencing mental health issues. The closing date for applications is midday on 2 July 2026. Decisions are due by the end of August 2026 and funded activity can start from September 2026.
Useful Links: