Grant Funds available for Dorset community groups

​​​​​​Several opportunities for community groups to access grant funding have become available through Dorset Council.

1. Small capital grants fund for community groups is now open for applications – This is the Community element of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Small one - off capital grants fund - Dorset Council

This is a great opportunity for local community groups, sports clubs, arts and culture organisations, food networks; village & community halls, and Town and Parish Councils to access a small one-off capital grant of between £5,000 - £15,000 to develop local facilities, infrastructure or essential equipment that enhances local spaces and amenities. The organisation will only need to provide 20% of their total project costs whereas if they apply to the Capital Leverage fund its 80%.

The Communities and Partnerships team are managing this fund on behalf of Place colleagues for this round. All project monies need to be spent this year and so applicants need to ensure that they can complete their capital projects (with all funds spent) by the end of February 2026. There will only be one round for this fund. Applicants must look at the criteria before applying to ensure their project meets the requirements (in the link above). If projects need longer time then please direct them to our Capital Leverage Fund instead. Closing date for applications 5^th June.

If you have any questions on the fund please email communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 

The other funds Dorset Council currently have open for applications are below:

• Capital Leverage Fund round 6

This fund is now open for applications until January 2026 and the 1^st assessment panel for applications is the 25^th September.

If you have any questions please email communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 

• Culture and Community Project fund round 9

This fund is now open for applications for revenue projects and closes on the 5^th June

If you have any questions please email communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk  for non-cultural projects or leisure@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk cultural or heritage projects

• Children’s Local Alliance Group funding 25-26

This fund is now open for applications and closes when all funds have been allocated.

Any questions please contact your Children’s Locality team