Dorset Council have issued an update on grant application windows, grants awarded and a new grant opportunity.
NEW Common Ground Award from the government
This fund is focussed on the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector and can provide awards of up to £10,000 for community groups and not-for-profit organisations for carrying out small capital projects. Funding can be used to support the cost of construction and renovating community spaces/facilities. It can also be used to purchase equipment to deliver services.
Application window closes 21 November 2025.
For more information visit the Common Ground Award: prospectus page on GOV.UK USING THIS LINK.
Dorset Council Capital Leverage Fund, Round 6
Applications are welcome from not-for-profit community groups, arts, museums, heritage, and sports organisations that meet the criteria. You can apply for a capital grant of between £1,500 and a maximum of £25,000, to fund up to 20% of your total project costs. The remaining costs need to be secured within two years of an award being made.
Application window closes 20 January 2025. Panel will meet 27 January 2025.
For more information visit the dedicated page on the Dorset Council website USING THIS LINK.
If you are not sure about whether your project is eligible email:
Details of awards made last month at Panel:
- The Gillingham Community and Leisure Trust for modernisation of the west side changing rooms at Riversmeet Community Leisure Centre, Gillingham - awarded £20,000
- The Portman Hall Trust for Portman Hall kitchen refurbishment project - awarded £2,300
- Dorchester Tennis and Squash Club for replacement of wooden windows on tennis pavilion with UPVC windows - awarded £3,000
- Beaminster Town Council for refurbishment of pavilion at Memorial Ground - awarded £3,000
- Wareham Town Council for Connecting Community Spaces at Wareham's Centre - awarded £10,000
- Cavalcade of Costume, Blandford Fashion Museum for development of Educational & Community Hub - awarded £10,000
- Wareham United Reformed Church for refurbishment of Community Kitchen - awarded £3,194
- Portland Sea Cadets for phase 2 of eextension of Portland Sea Cadets Community Building - awarded £20,000
Total requested: £201,610, total awarded: £70,494
If you have provided support for an application via a Councillor Feedback Form and would like feedback on any decisions, email the team at:
Dorset Council Community & Culture Project Fund, Round 10
This small grant fund is for new one-off projects and activities, or existing activities that can demonstrate added value for Dorset council residents if given a further grant and will only fund projects that deliver in the Dorset council area. Applicants can apply for between £1,000 and £5,000 and must provide (or fundraise) a minimum of 20% of the total project costs. Successful applicants must complete their project within 12 months of being given an award.
Applications are welcome from not-for-profit community groups including museums, arts, heritage, physical activity, sport and play.
Weblink - Community and Culture Project Fund Round 10 - Dorset Council
Application window closes at midnight Friday 21 November 2025. Award decisions will be notified to applicants by the end of December 2025.
For more information visit the dedicated page on the Dorset Council website USING THIS LINK.
To discuss whether your organisation is eligible contact us on
