Information about funding sources and grants available to community groups in Somerset
There are various funding sources available to community groups and charities in Somerset. We have provided links to databases where you can search for funding as well as examples of different sources of funding across Somerset.
If you know of other funding sources we would be happy to consider adding them to this list.
Contact the team Email communities@somerset.gov.uk
Stronger Communities Public Health (Post point 2 B3S) Somerset County Council County Hall Taunton TA1 4DY
Members Improving Lives Grant Fund Each County Councillor has £2000 available to put forward up to four grant proposals to improve the lives of local communities. The focus of the scheme is to empower communities and groups to take responsibility for local action, help people become better integrated in their own communities and to reduce pressure on local services.
Owing to purdah and the General Election taking place on 12 December 2019, the fund will re-open on 1 January until 31 January 2020.
There is more information about the Fund, including guidance for Councillors in Downloads.
Find out who your local County Councillor is
Dementia Community Grants Programme Grants to support the development of services and activities for people with memory loss or dementia in Somerset funding information is available here
Somerset Social Enterprise Fund Loans are now available to support and develop social enterprises in Somerset. Applications for loan funding will be considered, from £10,000 (minimum) to £100,000 (maximum). The fund has been established by Somerset County Council working in conjunction with Somerset Community Foundation who will co-ordinate the fund. For more information visit the Somerset Community Foundation website.
Active Living Programme grants (up to the value of £2,000) These grants are to support those in later life to stay physically and mentally active.
Applications are encouraged from groups in the local community, providing and promoting opportunities for older people in Somerset to be:
In addition, innovative project proposals which work towards these aims are welcomed. We are particularly keen to support Somerset based grassroots voluntary groups, local charities and social enterprises.
The programme will be available from 2 September, through Somerset County Council Public Health and administered by Somerset Community Foundation.
For more information please visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/active
The Mendip Hills Fund Grants of up to £2000 are available for projects in the Mendip Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and through East Mendip to Frome.
Grants will be awarded to support community and voluntary group projects that
To find out more and apply online visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/mendip
Closing date – 31 October 2019
You can see details of any Somerset District Councils’ grants for community projects here:
Mendip Local Legacy and Community Environment Fund
Sedgemoor grants programme
South Somerset community grants and loan schemes
Somerset West and Taunton Council
EDF Hinkley Point Community Impact Mitigation (CIM) Fund The purpose of this fund is to mitigate the intangible and residual impacts of the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project on the local communities affected by them. Only communities or projects in Sedgemoor and West Somerset can benefit from CIM payments this year. More information.
EDF Hinkley Point C Community Funds You could apply for funding for your community project if:
More information
Somerset West Lottery is a weekly online lottery created to support local causes in Somerset West.
Shape Mendip Lottery raises funds for good causes that benefit the Mendip community
There are also many other funds available through government departments, national charities, trusts and businesses which can provide community funding.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Armed Forces Covenant Fund is a new government fund to support community covenants and to fund local projects that bring together the civilian and armed forces communities. There is more information at Somerset Armed Forces Community Covenant or on the GOV.UK website.
The Somerset Fund Unrestricted grants up to £1,500 for grassroots community groups across Somerset. Funding window is currently closed however local businesses are encouraged to explore supporting the fund as an easier way to donate locally and have a greater impact. More information.
Somerset Leader Funding The Somerset Levels and Moors Local Action Group (LAG) and The Western Somerset (LAG), are pleased to announce that over £3m of grants is now available for businesses, farmers, foresters and community groups for projects that will create jobs and benefit the local rural economy through business growth.
Somerset County Council is a partner of both LAGs, and this funding comes through the new LEADER Programme which runs between 2015 and 2020.
The LEADER programme is part of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and Somerset County Council acts as the accountable body for both the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Rural Payments Agency.
Other examples include: Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) Avon and Somerset Police Commissioner Community Action Fund The Royal Bath and West Somerset Levels Relief Fund The National Lottery Community Fund The Funding Central website – also provides a guide to grants, contracts and loans. The Social Enterprise Network Somerset (SENS) – also provide information and signposting to resources for social enterprise activity in Somerset. Email sens@somersetrcc.org.uk GRIN (Grants Resource Information News) – An affordable local funding directory with a searchable grants and resource database and daily funding bulletins.
Spark Fundraising Network – This Facebook group is for people who are involved with raising funds for groups and organisations. The group is a professional networking tool, allowing you to share experiences and best practice, take part in discussions, and have access to training and information that make your roles a little bit easier.
The Somerset Intelligence website provides data, information, intelligence and insight on Somerset and its varied communities which you may find of interest when compiling evidence for bids.
This information also serves as the evidence base for the Somerset Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) which informs decision-making by people who plan, operate and commission services for the county.
Members Improving Lives Grant Fund
Guidance for Members
Application form – (one per bid) to be submitted by County Councillors to communities@somerset.gov.uk If Councillors have any questions about the Fund, they can contact Liam Bleeks on 01823 359414
If Councillors have any questions about the Fund, they are encouraged to first check this document and if they need further support to contact Liam Bleeks on 01823 359414 or Chris Phillips 01823 359243.
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