Eco & Environment | Posted on April 20th, 2026 | return to news

Green grants available for Dorset environment projects

Dorset Community Foundations is offering grants worth up to £2,000 for projects that will boost the environment.

If you or a community group you know are working on a project designed to boost the environment, you should apply for a grant from Dorset Community Foundation.

The foundation has partnered with Wessex Water to offer grants worth up to £2,000 to grassroot community groups and charities. The Wessex Water Environment Fund is open for applications until 18 May and aims to support projects that improve local biodiversity or have a positive impact on the local environment for local people.

Among the recipients from the previous round of grants last May was Grounded Community, which received £2,000 to train extra volunteers for its community composting project on the roof of the Sovereign Centre in Boscombe.

Since the scheme launched in 2021, it has diverted more than 19 tonnes of food waste from landfill or incineration and supplied over 12 tonnes of compost to food-growing projects.
Meanwhile, Corfe Castle CE Primary School and Pre-School received £688 to run a nature club and organise walks, tree planting and journal keeping for pupils.

“It creates young nature ambassadors who can help volunteer and take action for nature – also educating others by being excellent advocates and ambassadors for the nature recovery programme on the Isle of Purbeck,” said a school spokesman.

Projects eligible to receive grants must either: involve communities in environmental activities that benefit their local area; restore, maintain or enhance the local natural environment; or engage people in supporting the local natural environment.

Dorset Community Foundation Grants Manager Ellie Maguire said: “The main focus of this programme is on achieving positive outcomes for the environment and on activities that have a direct environmental impact.”

“Groups eligible are those with charitable aims, registered charities, and community interest companies with an annual income of less than £500,000. Schools and parish councils can apply if they can show community benefit to their project.”

She added Ellie said: “We’re looking forward to seeing more fantastic projects this year.
“This programme is targeted at organisations where a small amount of money can make a significant difference.”

Full criteria and application advice can be found at https://www.dorsetcommunityfoundation.org/news/fund-opens-to-boost-environmental-projects.