About Somerset Community Foundation
Somerset Community Foundation is a charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy.
Through our grant-giving, we aim to build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We award funding to hundreds of small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises across the county every year, offering a range of grants programmes, including project-based, core costs, small, large, annual and multi-year grants and loans.
We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give through us to the causes and places they care about most. Together, we fund amazing organisations and the passionate people that change lives every day.
Since we were founded in 2002 we’ve awarded more than £25 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.
You can read about our vision, mission, values and organisational strategy here.
Our services to charities
Every year, we award funding to hundreds of small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises across Somerset. We run a range of grants programmes, offering a mixture of project-based, core costs, small, large, annual and multi-year grants and loans.
We aim, through our funding, to help build stronger communities in Somerset. That means:
- more cohesive communities that work together to tackle disadvantage and drive change
- more informed communities that can access the resources, skills and training they need to change their lives and neighbourhoods
- better-connected communities that have a voice in the policies and decision-making that affects them.
Our team are always happy to provide advice and guidance to charities who need support with applying for funding.
Our services to donors
We offer expert philanthropic advice and charitable giving services for local donors. Our unique expertise and unrivalled local knowledge means we’re well placed to help you give to the causes and places you care about in Somerset.
You can choose to set up your own charitable fund with us, give to one of our existing funds, or support the work of the Foundation itself.
Setting up your own charitable fund is a simple alternative to a private charitable trust, offering all the benefits of having your own trust, but without the administrative burden. You can choose to make an immediate impact or set up an endowment fund to support generations to come.
We’ll help you find and support amazing local charities, make grants on your behalf and share stories about the difference you’ve made. We can also arrange opportunities to visit projects and meet other like-minded donors through our inspiring events.
In short, we’ll make local giving simple, rewarding, and impactful.
To find out more contact Laura Blake, Philanthropy Director on 01749 344949 or email laura.blake@somersetcf.org.uk