Apply Now: HPC Community Fund Small Grants (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 19-Oct-2026

The Somerset Community Foundation is inviting applications for the HPC Community Fund Small Grants, supporting local groups in communities affected by the Hinkley Point C (HPC) development. The fund provides grants for projects that improve community wellbeing and quality of life for residents experiencing changes associated with the construction and operation of Hinkley Point C. Local groups can apply for funding to run community projects, refurbish buildings, or purchase equipment that delivers a clear benefit to people living in affected communities.

About the HPC Community Fund

The Hinkley Point C Community Fund Small Grants programme was established to support Somerset communities experiencing changes as a result of the construction and operation of the Hinkley Point C development. The fund aims to respond to both the opportunities and challenges created by this major infrastructure project. Particular areas of relevance include Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, and surrounding villages, along with other communities affected by the HPC development. What Does the Fund Support? The HPC Community Fund Small Grants programme supports local initiatives that enhance community wellbeing and quality of life. Funding can be used for projects involving: - Community activities and programmes - Refurbishment of community buildings - Purchase of equipment - Other projects that provide a clear benefit to the local community Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed activity will improve the lives of residents affected by the Hinkley Point C development. Funding Available Applicants can request up to £30,000 per grant. Funding can be spent over a period of up to three years. However, most grants awarded through the programme typically range between £5,000 and £10,000. Multi-year grants are paid in instalments, with recipients required to provide annual progress updates. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended for local groups working in communities affected by Hinkley Point C. Eligible applicants normally have an annual income of less than £250,000.

Applicants should demonstrate that they:

- Are a local group - Operate in an area impacted by the Hinkley Point C development - Have an annual income normally below £250,000 - Are proposing a project that benefits the local community - Can demonstrate a clear connection between the project and community wellbeing or quality of life Eligible Areas The fund focuses on communities affected by the Hinkley Point C development in Somerset.

Areas specifically highlighted include:

- Bridgwater - Burnham-on-Sea - Surrounding villages - Other local areas experiencing impacts from the HPC development Applicants should demonstrate the connection between their community and the Hinkley Point C development. Community Wellbeing and Quality of Life Improving community wellbeing and quality of life is at the heart of the HPC Community Fund Small Grants programme. Projects should demonstrate a meaningful local benefit and explain how the proposed activities, improvements, or equipment will contribute to stronger and healthier communities. The fund recognizes that major infrastructure developments can create both opportunities and challenges for surrounding communities. Support for Community Projects Local groups can use the funding to deliver projects designed to benefit residents. Community projects may include activities that strengthen local participation, improve shared spaces, or respond to needs created or intensified by changes associated with the HPC development. Applicants should clearly explain the intended outcomes and the people who will benefit. Building Refurbishment The programme can also support the refurbishment of buildings used by local communities. This can help groups improve community facilities and create better spaces for residents to use. Applications involving building improvements should demonstrate how the refurbishment will contribute to community wellbeing and quality of life. Equipment Purchases Funding can be used to purchase equipment where it contributes to the objectives of the fund. Applicants should explain why the equipment is needed, who will use it, and how it will provide a lasting benefit to the local community. Multi-Year Funding Projects can use HPC Community Fund Small Grants funding over a period of up to three years. Multi-year grants are paid in instalments rather than as a single payment. Recipients receiving multi-year funding are required to provide annual progress updates, allowing progress against the supported project to be monitored. Typical Grant Amounts Although the maximum available grant is £30,000, most awards are typically between £5,000 and £10,000. Applicants should therefore request an amount that is appropriate and proportionate to the scale and needs of their proposed project. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should clearly demonstrate the local value of their proposed project.

A strong application should explain:

- What the project will do - Why the project is needed - How the community is affected by the Hinkley Point C development - Who will benefit - How the project will improve wellbeing or quality of life - What funding is required - How the proposed funding will be used - What outcomes are expected - Why the project represents a meaningful benefit to the local community The connection between the project and the fund’s objectives should be clear throughout the application. Demonstrating Local Impact Local impact is a key consideration for this programme. Applicants should provide evidence that the proposed project will benefit residents in communities affected by Hinkley Point C. Rather than focusing only on activities, applications should explain the difference the project will make to local people and community life. Why the HPC Community Fund Matters Large infrastructure developments can significantly affect surrounding communities. The HPC Community Fund Sm