Charity | Posted on June 16th, 2026 | return to news

Bid for a share of Dorset’s Neighbourhood Fund

Small community groups and charities can bid for a share of a £60,000 fund from Dorset Community Foundation aimed at making life better for people.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Neighbourhood Fund is open for a second time this year for grant applications until 2 July. It prioritises smaller groups across Dorset with less than £250,000 revenue.

Grants manager Ellie Maguire said: “The fund supports grass roots community groups delivering services or activities that address a broad range of local social issues, problems, poverty and disadvantage.

“We want to support targeted services that support people with identified needs, affect positive change and bring tangible improvements to quality of life for people in Dorset.”
The previous round of the fund awarded more than £139,000 to 37 groups. Among the recipients were:

Gillingham Youth Club, £5,000
Senior youth leader Shelley Finch said the grant allows the club to hire trained youth workers, plan activities and organise community events for more than 80 children aged 10 to 16, many of whom would have very limited positive activities or safe spaces available to them outside of school. She added: “We also believe there would be a greater risk of young people becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, negative peer groups, and criminal exploitation, including county lines activity.”

The Friendly Food Club, £3,888
The club runs free cookery workshops in Swanage. CEO Liz Guilmant-Cush said: “Through this funding, we improve food confidence, cooking skills, and nutritional knowledge, helping individuals and families feel more capable, dignified, and in control of their food choices.”

Townsend Youth Partnership, £5,000
Enabled the partnership to continue its Open Minds programme. Staff member Val Thomas said: “The project will empower young people to take ownership of their mental health, reduce inequalities and contribute to better access to timely support.”

Christchurch Community Partnership, £5,000
A grant to run Triple F (Fun, Food and Friendships), a weekly get-together for isolated older people in Christchurch. CEO Sandra Prudom said: “Attendees will feel less isolated and, with seated exercise sessions, be more mobile and able to remain independent for longer.”

Ellie Maguire said the fund has two particular areas of interest: services that help older people lead more active, healthy and independent lives, and projects that support people experiencing mental health issues.

“We can consider funding any costs relating to the project or activity, including core costs, service delivery costs and reasonable capital costs, such as office equipment, sports equipment, tools and so on,” she said.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply at dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/funds.