Dorset Community Foundation is a place-based community foundation focused on improving quality of life for people in Dorset, especially those facing disadvantage, loneliness, exclusion, or crisis. It primarily supports grassroots voluntary groups, charities, and social enterprises delivering local services, along with occasional funding for organisational resilience and sustainability. The grantees suggest a strong interest in community wellbeing, inclusion, and practical support for vulnerable groups across the county.
Makes small local grants, typically around £1,000-£5,000, with some sustainability awards up to £3,000. Funding appears to be program-based and county-specific, often for voluntary/community organisations and social enterprises; some support is delivered through named funds or distributor programs rather than open national applications.
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Prioritize clear, Dorset-based projects with direct community benefit and a strong fit to the program theme. Check the foundation’s current grant round status and deadlines on its website, and emphasize local reach, volunteer involvement, and how the grant will sustain or expand practical services for vulnerable residents.
Current and upcoming funding from Dorset Community Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Local voluntary and community organisations, charities and social enterprises; priority for local grassroots groups. National charities, schools and statutory bodies are not supported.
Deadline: Midday, June 4, 2026
Who can apply: Groups must be local voluntary/community organisations, charities or social enterprises (see DCF grant making policy for full eligibility).
Deadline: Listed opening date 20 January 2025; status shown as ongoing in site table
Who can apply: Local grassroots organisations in Dorset; national charities, schools and statutory bodies are not supported.
Deadline: Midday, October 19, 2026
Who can apply: Local grassroots organisations working in Dorset; national charities, schools and statutory bodies are not supported.
Deadline: Spring 2027
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.