Grants available to help refugees build new lives in the county

The Dorset Welcome Fund has reopened, offering grants of up to £5,000 to voluntary groups and charities to support community action that helps refugees and asylum seekers of any nationality arriving, residing, or settling in Dorset.

The fund is once again being supported with contributions of £50,000 from Dorset Council and £30,000 from BCP Council as well as from Dorset Community Foundation fundholders.

Examples of activities and services eligible for funding include community events and activities to combat isolation, wellbeing projects adapted or targeted towards refugees and asylum seekers, cultural heritage activities for children and young people, services to support improved mental health, advice and advocacy support, activities supporting English language skills or routes into employment andvolunteering or providing practical items such as clothing, bedding or mobile phones.

New groups established for less than six months can also apply but will only be eligible for a maximum grant of £2,000.

The fund was launched in 2022 inspired by the plight of Ukrainians fleeing to the UK in the wake of the Russian invasion. It has subsequently awarded more than £80,000 to 18 projects across the county.

There will be 2 rounds of funding in 2024:

Round 1 application window: 25 March to midday on 3 May

Round 2 application window: 9 Sept to midday on 11 Oct

Find out more