Latest round of grants for not-for-profit organisations now open

Round 7 of Dorset Council’s Community & Culture Project Fund has opened for new applications. 

Not-for-profit groups meeting eligibility and funding criteria can apply for a grant of up to £5,000. Dorset Council will fund up to 80% of applicants' total project costs, with the expectation that those applying demonstrate how the remaining 20% will be covered through additional grants, sponsorship, fundraising or partner contributions.

The grant fund is for one-off events; activities and specific cultural, sports and community project-based work in the Dorset Council area only. Unfortunately, we cannot fund activities and projects delivered in the BCP area.

For applications from the Arts, Heritage, and accredited Museums sector projects will need to meet one or more cultural outcomes in the Dorset Cultural Strategy, and priority will be given to applications that target marginalised and under-represented groups.

New and emerging groups (who are less than 12 months old) can apply for a smaller grant of up to £1,500.

Anna Eastgate, Dorset Council’s Corporate Director for Place Services, said: 

“I’m delighted we’re able to provide these one-off grants to cultural and environmental organisations who will be promoting a wide range of cultural, heritage and physical activities for residents.

“Priority has been given to projects supporting disadvantaged, marginalised or under-served groups in Dorset, and we have seen some fantastic projects get the funding they need to really make a difference to local people.”

You can find out more at the Community and Culture Project Fund webpage on the Dorset Council website.

Should you need some help with your organisation's governance and safeguarding, both the Arts Development Company (Cultural groups) hello@artsdevelopmentcompany.org.uk and the Community Action Network (hello@can100.org or visit the CAN website) can help you.

If you are unsure of how to apply or want to check you are eligible, please contact us at communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or the Cultural team on LeisureWDWP@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

The small grants fund will close midnight Sunday 9 June 2024. Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered. Decisions will be made in July 2024.