Grants available for community organisations, including Town and Parish councils

Grants are now available to help improve the lives of people living or working in Dorset.  

Cultural, sporting and community organisations can now apply for money from Dorset Council’s Leisure Development Fund.

We award small grants to voluntary, not-for profit community organisations and Town and Parish Councils. This is to support the development of:

• the arts
• museums and heritage
• outdoor play
• village halls
• sports

…for the direct benefit of people living or working in Dorset.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available. Applications can be made for up to 20 per cent of a project’s cost and the money can be used for one-off or capital projects. More details are available at the Dorset Council website or you can contact Dorset Council’s Leisure Department by email or by calling 01305 252250.

The closing date for applications is 31 December 2020. Decision letters will be sent to all applicants in February 2021.

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer, Community and Regulatory Services, said: “I’m proud that Dorset Council will be supporting efforts to enrich the lives of people who live and work in Dorset through this funding.

Previously we have awarded funds to a diverse range of organisations and projects, including activities for young people with disabilities, radio equipment, art and theatre projects, updating sport club facilities and even a pop-up museum.

I would like to encourage community groups to apply for funds by visiting the website and speaking with their local ward councillor about their ideas. I’m looking forward to hearing about all the wonderful things that residents are planning and how we might be able to help.”