DORSET Community Foundation is working in partnership with BCP Council to offer grants of up to £5,000 for capital projects in community buildings.
The BCP Thriving Communities Fund uses money awarded to the council through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Last year the fund awarded more than £70,000 in grants to 24 grass roots charities and voluntary groups.
Grants manager Ellie Maguire said: “The fund is offering grants to support capital improvements, for community groups running community buildings in BCP that provide facilities for local community-led groups and activities. Community buildings must support multiple local groups and community activities – not just deliver their own services. Examples include community centres, community hubs or village halls.
“Applicants will need to describe the kinds of community groups and activities that take place in their community building and how they support the needs in the community. This might be by addressing isolation and loneliness, improving health and wellbeing, offering opportunities for lifelong learning, and opportunities for social connectivity and support. They will also need to describe how the grant will be used improve your community building for the groups who use it.”
The grant must be used to support capital costs that will help to maintain, enhance or increase the use of community buildings. Examples include kitchen improvements, replacement flooring, doors, windows, lighting or heating, redecoration or refurbishment, new furniture, equipment for use by multiple groups or energy efficiency to cut overheads.
Applicants will need to describe the kinds of community groups and activities that take place in their community building and how they support the needs in the community
Last year a £3,000 grant to Hengistbury Head Outdoors helped it complete a project to replace a derelict slipway used to launch dinghies, kayaks, dragon boats, paddleboard to allow safe access to the water for people with a range of abilities.
“The range of young people that will be able to use the site and have adult support in learning water based activity skills will be a major benefit to the society as a whole,” said treasurer Bill Howlett.
St Andrews Church in Charminster used a £2,999 grant to update kitchen appliances as part of a refurbishment project in its hall that led to the opening of pop up café spaces.
“Our hope for our project is that the redeveloped St Andrew’s Centre will become one of the central gathering spaces for the local community in Charminster ward, and a place where particularly those in need can access relational community and greater support,” said operations manager Jordan Clements.
Twynham Church for the Community in Christchurch used a £3,000 grant to complete a project to upgrade its PA system, including the sound desk, computer and livestream cameras, to provide better sound and connectivity for people in the community.
“It makes us more effective in our efforts to communicate with and involve the local and wider community for both church and community events and activities,” said Pastor Rob Watson.
The fund is open now and applications close on July 2 at midday.
Dorset Community Foundation director Grant Robson said he is delighted to be working with the council again. “I’m very pleased to be working with BCP Council and that we’ve supported it through each of the previous rounds of this fund.
“Our unrivalled knowledge of the voluntary sector right across Dorset, and the close relationship we have with the groups working within it, means the council can be sure that this money is getting to where it will make the most impact.”
Full eligibility details and how to apply here.
