Derbyshire Community Foundation is a local place-based funder that channels donor-advised and named funds into grassroots groups across Derby and Derbyshire. Its priorities lean toward small, practical grants that strengthen community life, reduce disadvantage, and support vulnerable people through youth development, food poverty relief, arts/horticulture, and neighborhood services. It typically backs local charities, CIOs, CICs, and voluntary groups with modest, flexible funding for both projects and core operational needs.
Focus Areas
Grassroots Community DevelopmentFood Poverty and Community NutritionYouth Enterprise and Young EntrepreneursArts and Horticulture for Vulnerable PeopleOlder People and Intergenerational SupportLocal Village Halls and Community Hubs
Giving Approach
Primarily small rolling grants, usually up to £2,500, awarded through Foundation Derbyshire’s single application process and matched to the most appropriate named fund. Most programs are open year-round with no fixed deadline, and funding can support either revenue or equipment costs over a 12-month period.
How to approach this funder
Apply through Foundation Derbyshire’s standard application form rather than to individual funds directly. Because many funds are rolling and small, tailor the proposal to a specific local need in Derbyshire, clearly state the beneficiary group and community impact, and make sure your organization fits the fund’s geography and eligibility rules (especially for ward- or issue-specific funds).
Want a Personalized Pitch for Derbyshire Community Foundation?
Sign up free to see how well your nonprofit fits this funder, get an AI-generated pitch, and unlock similar foundations.
Weekly grant intelligence for social impact leaders. Curated opportunities, funding trends, and strategic insights — free.
Join 500+ social impact leaders. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy
Trusted by mission-driven teams at organizations nationwide
Notable grantees:
• The Chapel Mobile Physio
• Rowsley Village Hall
• Friends of White Hall Centre
• The Starlight Club
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from Derbyshire Community Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Up to $3K
Foundation Derbyshire General Grants
Community developmentPoverty reductionEducation+7 more
Who can apply: Applicants must be based in Derby or Derbyshire and show a formal structure. Small local groups are especially encouraged. National charities are usually only considered if a small, self-financing local branch is applying for a distinct Derby/Derbyshire-focused project that fills a local gap. Only one application per group at a time; groups with an active grant, a grant within the last 12 months, or incomplete monitoring are not eligible. Projects must benefit people within Derbyshire and cannot be retrospective, political, faith-promoting, or for statutory bodies or medical equipment.
Deadline: No closing dates; funds are open all year round.
arts and culturehorticulturevulnerable people+1 more
Who can apply: Groups using arts or horticulture to support vulnerable people, operating in Derbyshire; aligned with Foundation Derbyshire eligibility.
Deadline: No closing dates noted; processed on rolling basis.
community developmentarts and culturechildren and young people+9 more
Who can apply: Derby and Derbyshire based community groups, charities, CIOs and CICs. Groups do not have to be registered charities but must show evidence of a formal structure. Unlikely to fund national charities unless funding a distinct local project. See Grants Success Guide for ineligible activity.
Deadline: No closing dates; applications accepted on a rolling basis via single application form. Decisions typically within 12–16 weeks.
enterprisebusiness start-upyoung entrepreneurs+1 more
Who can apply: Young people aged 18-30 starting or developing a business in Derby and Derbyshire; follows Foundation Derbyshire application and eligibility policies.
Deadline: No closing dates noted; processed via Foundation Derbyshire application matching.
children and young peopleolder peopleintergenerational support
Who can apply: Projects aligned with the fund’s three strands supporting young and old in Derbyshire; subject to donor-specific criteria and Foundation Derbyshire eligibility.
Deadline: No closing dates noted; rolling intake via Foundation Derbyshire.
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.