Apply for Community and Culture Project Fund Round 11 (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

Dorset Council’s Community and Culture Project Fund Round 11 provides grants of £1,000 to £5,000 to eligible not-for-profit organisations delivering new activities and events that benefit communities across the Dorset Council area. The fund prioritises projects supporting disadvantaged and hard-to-reach groups, social inclusion, health and wellbeing, young people, environmental action, rural communities, digital inclusion, arts, heritage, sport, and culture. What Is the Dorset Community and Culture Project Fund? The Community and Culture Project Fund is a Dorset Council funding programme supporting new community and cultural activities that create positive local outcomes. The fund is intended to help voluntary, community, cultural, environmental, and not-for-profit organisations respond to local needs and improve the quality of life of people living in Dorset. For Round 11, funding is available for projects that demonstrate a clear community benefit and contribute to Dorset Council priorities. How Much Funding Is Available? Successful applicants can request between: £1,000 and £5,000 per project Funding can cover up to 80% of eligible project costs Applicants must provide at least 20% match funding The total Community Projects fund is £50,000. The total Cultural Projects fund is £40,000. The required match funding demonstrates that applicants have additional resources available to help deliver their proposed activities. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The fund supports new activities and events that produce measurable benefits for local residents. Projects may address community, cultural, environmental, health, social, or inclusion-related needs. Projects can help young people develop skills, confidence, networks, and opportunities that improve their pathways toward employment. Equality and Social Inclusion The fund encourages initiatives that reduce barriers to participation and help people from disadvantaged or underrepresented communities become more involved in local activities. Health and Wellbeing Projects that improve physical, mental, emotional, or social wellbeing can be supported where they provide a clear benefit to Dorset residents. Disability and Independent Living Activities supporting disabled people to participate more fully in community life and live independently are among the fund’s priorities. Rural Communities Projects addressing rural deprivation and barriers to accessing services, activities, or opportunities are encouraged. Digital Inclusion Initiatives that help people overcome digital exclusion and participate more effectively in an increasingly digital society may be eligible. Arts, Culture and Heritage The fund can support activities that strengthen participation in: Arts Cultural activities Local heritage Sport Community events Environment and Climate Change Projects that produce positive environmental outcomes or increase awareness of climate change can also align with the fund’s objectives. Who Is Eligible? The Community and Culture Project Fund is primarily aimed at constituted voluntary, community, and not-for-profit organisations operating for community benefit. Newly established organisations that meet the required governance standards Applicants must demonstrate that their organisation has appropriate governance and can responsibly manage the grant. Where Must Projects Take Place? Projects must benefit people living within the Dorset Council area. The fund is designed specifically for local community and cultural activities, so proposals whose primary beneficiaries are outside the Dorset Council area are not eligible. Match Funding Requirement The fund can contribute up to 80% of total eligible project costs. Applicants must therefore provide at least 20% match funding from their own resources. For example, if a project costs £5,000:

Dorset Council grant: up to £4,000

Applicant match funding: at least £1,000

Total project cost: £5,000

Applicants should clearly explain where their contribution will come from and ensure the proposed budget is realistic. What Is Not Funded? Several types of applications and costs are excluded.

The fund does not generally support:

Individuals applying personally. Commercial organisations. Projects taking place outside the Dorset Council area. Projects that have already commenced may only be considered where the additional funding will provide clear additional value or extend the original project. How to Apply Applicants should prepare their proposal around the fund’s community and cultural objectives.

Step 1: Identify the Local Need

Explain the specific issue affecting people in the Dorset Council area.

Describe:

Who is affected. Why the issue matters. Evidence of local demand. Which communities will benefit. Why existing services or activities are insufficient.

Step 2: Describe the New Project

Clearly explain what the funding will make possible.

Include:

Activities and events. Project location. Target beneficiaries. Number of expected participants. Project timeframe.

Partners involved

Expected outputs and outcomes. The project should demonstrate that it is a new activity or event rather than simply routine organisational work.

Step 3: Link the Project to Fund Priorities

Show which Dorset Council priorities and desired outcomes the project supports. For example, a project might simultaneously address: A competitive application should provide a clear connection between local need → proposed activity → target beneficiaries → measurable outcome.

Applicants should:

Provide evidence of local demand. Clearly identify the beneficiaries. Explain why the project is needed now. Demonstrate meaningful community involvement. Provide realistic costs. Explain the 20% match contribution. Show how the project supports council priorities. Prioritise disadvantaged or underserved groups where relevant. Demonstrate that the project can be delivered successfully. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

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