How we report the impact of the grants we distribute
Impact reports detail the outcomes achieved by the groups we support, by the end of work funded by our grants. Outcomes are the positive changes that people experience in their lives as a result of the charitable work. We base the reports on information provided by the groups at the end of the grant period, which is usually 12 months after the funding is awarded, which is why the reports relate to grants awarded in the previous year.
Dorset Community Foundation’s annual Impact Report
Our most recent Impact Report is for 2021/22, this is because we wait for all of the groups we have funded in a particular year to report the impact of grants made in that year before we publish the report.
- We awarded £796,170.97 in grants (£353,898.50 was also awarded via the NHS Charities Together Partnership Grants Programme. DCF was responsible for applications and panel decisions, monitoring and reporting from grantees. Funds awarded via Dorset County Hospital Charity.)
- Benefiting 52,685 people all across Dorset
- The average grant size was £3,958 to groups and £263 to individuals
Click here to read our 2021-22 Impact Report
Click here to read our 2020-21 Impact Report
Click here to read our 2019-20 Impact Report
Other Impact Reports
Every year our grants are distributed via a number of different funding programmes, here are reports for some of those programmes.
ACE Lets Create Jubilee Fund
In 2022, funding from Arts Council England and corporate supporter Superior Seals has provided £112,000 for groups in Dorset to mark the Platinum Jubilee with arts events to create lasting memories and a creative legacy.
Ace Lets Create Jubileee Fund Impact Report – summer 2022
BCP Council Food and Warmth Fund
BCP Council has partnered with Dorset Community Foundation to distribute funding from its Household Support Fund scheme to help people on low incomes stay warm and fed during winter.
Impact Report – Winter 2022/23
Impact Report – Winter 2021/22
BCP Council Thriving Communities Fund
BCP Council has partnered with Dorset Community Foundation to distribute money awarded to the council through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of its Levelling Up agenda. Grants were used to support either social action and volunteering, or capital grants for community buildings.
Change For Good
A partnership of charities, including Dorset Community Foundation, businesses, and public sector organisations, formed the BCP Council Homelessness Action fund to help rough sleepers in Dorset find and keep a home.
Impact Report – grants awarded in 2023
Impact Report – grants awarded in 2022
Impact Report – grants awarded in 2020 and 21
Corton Hill Fund
The Corton Hill fund was established to support groups that benefit the North Dorset area including Shaftesbury, Gillingham, Sturminster, Sherborne, Blandford, Beaminster and Cerne Abbas.
Corton Hill Fund Round Three Impact report – 2022/23
Corton Hill Fund Round Two Impact Report – 2021/22
DCF Bursary Scheme
This fund supports Dorset residents aged of 16-25 on vocational courses, with bursaries of up to £1,000.
Dorset Bursary Impact Report 2022-2023
Dorset Bursary Impact Report 2021-2022
Designs for Humanity Fund
This fund was established by our Ambassador and internationally recognised artist Stuart Semple for families and individuals in need of support in our communities.
Impact Report – Supporting Families at Christmas 2003
Impact Report – Supporting Families at Christmas 2022
Impact Report – Supporting Families at Christmas 2021
Dorset Performing Arts Fund
The Dorset Performing Arts Fund supports artists, groups and projects in the creation and delivery of the performing arts in East Dorset, West Dorset, North Dorset, Purbeck and Weymouth and Portland.
Dorset Performing Arts Fund Impact Report 2021/22
Dorset Welcome Fund
Supporting local community groups offering activities and services to welcome and support refugees of any nationality who are arriving, residing or settling in Dorset.
Round Three Impact Report – grants awarded Jan 2023
Round Two Impact Report – grants awarded Oct 2022
Round One Impact Report – grants awarded Sept 2022
Surviving Winter Appeal
Working with Citizens Advice to distribute grants of £200 to elderly and vulnerable people living in fuel poverty.
Lord Lieutenant’s Fund For Young and Talented
This fund aims to ensure that every young person has the same opportunities to develop their sporting talent regardless of background, financial or personal circumstances.
Our Coronavirus Impact Reports
The following reports chart our impact during the pandemic.
Phase 1 ‘Dorset in the Pandemic’ – impact of grants awarded Apr – July 2020 (and summary of awards in phases 2, 3 and 4)
Phase 2 – impact of grants awarded Aug – Sept 2020
Phase 3 and 4 – impact of grants awarded Nov 2020 – March 2021 (*including distribution of funds from BCP Council and Dorset Council)
Report for BCP Council – impact of grants awarded December 2020
Report for Dorset Council – impact of grants awarded December 2020 & January 2021
