Applications open for Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund

Community and voluntary organisations in and around Dorchester are invited to apply for funding from the Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund, which opens for applications today, Monday 15 September 2025.

The fund is generated from income raised through weekly car boot sales held in Dorchester. These proceeds are distributed to local groups to support projects that benefit residents within a 6.67-mile radius of Dorchester Market, and within the Dorset Council boundary.

In 2024, more than £12,000 was awarded to a wide range of organisations, including sports clubs, youth initiatives, disability support projects, and schemes tackling social isolation.

Councillor Molly Rennie, Chair of the Dorchester Market Car Boot Grant Panel, said:

“It was wonderful to award over £12,000 to these local organisations. We recognise the hard work that they do to make lives better for others. Thank you to those who hire pitches at the car boot sale in Dorchester. Please continue to come to the Sunday car boot sale to buy and sell. Get a great bargain and help others at the same time.”

Grants of up to £1,000 are available. The application window will close at midnight on Friday 31 October 2025, with decisions made in November. Successful applicants will be notified before the Christmas break and invited to a celebration event in 2026 to share updates on their projects.

Application forms and guidance are available on the Dorset Council website. Hard copies of the application form can be collected from Dorchester Town Council, 19 North Square, Dorchester DT1 1JF.

For further information, please contact Millie Titman or Fiona Thomas in the Communities and Partnerships Team on 01305 221669, or via e-mail: communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk