The Gooch Charitable Fund (United Kingdom)

The Gooch Charitable Fund, managed by Somerset Community Foundation, provides smaller capital and project grants of up to £5,000 (and larger capital grants over £5,000 may also be considered). It supports organisations that benefit people living in Ilminster or the TA19 postcode, including costs for activities, running expenses, and capital items such as equipment or buildings. The application deadline is Monday 26 October 2026 (decision expected in early December 2026). The Gooch Charitable Fund aims to provide grants to groups based in Ilminster and the surrounding TA19 postcode, or groups that deliver services to people in Ilminster/TA19. The programme supports a wide range of community-focused organisations and activities, including sports clubs, youth groups, community buildings, arts and heritage venues, and community transport schemes. SCF also notes that schools and preschools may apply, but funding is not for statutory duties. SCF lists events and other activities as eligible areas of support, where they meet the fund’s aims and the organisation’s minimum standards.

Supported costs include:

Key grant parameters:

SCF also states that it has around £50,000 available from the Fund “this year,” and it is usually able to support 2 out of every 3 applications it receives (as stated in the opportunity page). SCF can only consider an organisation for a grant if both of the following are true:

Minimum standards cover areas such as:

SCF directs applicants to its FAQ page for all minimum standards and to an eligibility checker to help confirm whether they can apply. SCF is interested in supporting a wide range of community groups and types of provision, including: In all cases, funded work should benefit people living in and around Ilminster, including the TA19 postcode. For local organisations serving Ilminster and TA19 communities, this fund can cover both day-to-day project delivery costs (like staff time and activities) and tangible community improvements (like equipment and buildings). SCF’s approach also emphasises organisations that meet its minimum standards, including expectations around financial management and safeguarding. When you click “Apply Now,” you will be asked to register your email address. SCF will email you a link to the online form. You can save your progress by selecting “save as draft.” The emailed link can be used to return to the form. The application form allows supporting documents to be attached at the end of the form. Click “Submit” at the bottom of the form to send your application. If you are unsure whether you meet standards or which grant type fits your needs, SCF provides support via its programme manager (details below). SCF notes that it may award funding only to groups meeting minimum standards and that it cannot fund every application. Based on the guidance in the opportunity page, applicants should: SCF also describes factors that can improve likelihood of support (not stated as formal criteria), including contributing some costs yourself, working with people facing multiple disadvantages, providing reliable reporting on previous grants, and not having received other money from SCF in the last year. What is the maximum grant amount for this programme? For smaller capital and project grants, SCF states a maximum of up to £5,000. It also says larger capital grants over £5,000 may be considered, with guidance that they may be between £5,000 and £50,000 (subject to discussion with the programme manager). Who can apply for The Gooch Charitable Fund? Organisations that benefit people living in Ilminster or the TA19 postcode, and that meet SCF’s minimum standards. What kinds of costs can be funded? SCF lists support for project costs (including staff time, activities, and running costs) and capital costs (including equipment or buildings). When is the application deadline? The opportunity page states the apply-by date as Monday 26 October 2026. When will applicants receive decisions? SCF states decisions are expected in early December 2026. Do schools and preschools qualify? SCF says schools and preschools can apply, but funding is not for statutory duties. Is there a separate process for larger capital grants? Yes. SCF recommends applicants thinking about a larger capital grant (between £5,000 and £50,000) contact the programme manager for an initial discussion before applying. Before applying, review SCF’s FAQs (including the minimum standards) and use the eligibility checker to confirm your organisation is within scope for Ilminster/TA19 benefit. Then complete the correct application route via the “Apply Now” link, ensuring you submit your form by Monday 26 October 2026.