You must submit your application through our online application form. See full details of the fund including closing dates, fund objectives and criteria.
Before you start
Take the time to read and understand the fund criteria, eligibility criteria and priorities before completing the application form.
If you'd like to speak to us about your project, email us at communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk (community applications), or leisure@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk (cultural applications).
Create an account
You need to register and create an account with us before you apply. If you’ve applied for a grant before you will still need to create a new account.
To create an account, open the application form and click ‘Create an account’. We'll ask for your name, email and to set a new password.
If you forget your password, you can reset it using the password reset button on the form.
Start your application
Now that you have a unique login and account you can go to the application form and start completing it.
You'll complete these sections:
- eligibility checklist
- about you and your organisation
- project details
- finance
Complete all the questions, then save and submit.
You must complete all questions and then submit your form including those supporting documents we ask for. You will then get an email confirming receipt of your application.
Supporting documents
You'll now upload supporting documents and sign the declaration.
The supporting documents help us to assess your application. Stay logged in until you’ve provided all your document, then click save and submit.
You will not be able to return to the application form, or edit or upload any other documents.
Make sure you:
- read the guidance on which documents to upload
- have all documents on your device ready to upload
- provide the mandatory documents
- don't try to upload files more than 3MB or any documents that we've not asked for
To reduce file size, you can use PDFs or provide a zip file. Do not email or send us documents directly as these will not be accepted without discussing them with us first.
Saving your data
You will be able to save your application while you're completing it. If you decide to leave the form without saving it, you will lose your data.
There is also a ‘timed out’ function on the form of 6 hours which starts each time you login. If you stay logged in for more than 6 hours and do not save, you may lose your data. Make sure you save it regularly.
What happens next
Once you have completed the application form, you will receive an email notification from Dorset Council confirming that your application is complete. You will also be provided with a unique application number and a PDF copy of your application.
The Dorset Council grants team will then assess your application and make recommendations for the grant panel to consider your application. Should we require additional information we will contact you directly. We aim to notify you of our decision by the date shown on our fund web page.
When you can apply
This grant fund closes on Thursday 27 January 2026.
You can apply between Thursday 1 May 2025 and Thursday 27 January 2026. We will consider your application at the grants panel that is closest to the date you applied.