Festive Fund for Somerset

This grant programme is currently closed. We expect this grant programme to re-open to application in the autumn of 2024.

You can view previous grant guidelines below.

Please note, these grant guidelines may change when/if the programme reopens to applications. Please make sure you read the new guidelines before you submit your grant application.

The festive season can be difficult for some, and this year many of our neighbours are facing extremely tough times ahead. At Somerset Community Foundation we want to support groups that can help to reduce loneliness and spread warmth and cheer through food and activities around the festive period with grants of up to £400.

Who can apply for this money?

You can only apply if your group:

That means charities, community groups, sports clubs, and social enterprises can usually apply. But your group must have a:

If you don’t have these things, then Spark Somerset may be able to support you to put them in place. Or you could talk to another group, or your local parish or town council, who could manage a grant application for you.

Is my group more likely to get some money or not?

We’re more likely to give you money if your group:

What can I use the money for?

You can use this money towards the cost of providing food and/or festive activities for isolated people between December and January.

What can’t I use the money for?

We can’t give money to:

We can give money to these types of groups, but only in some cases:

When will I get the money if I’m successful?

If we can, it will be paid directly to your group by a bank transfer in early December.

You need to spend your grant and let us know how the activity went and how it helped people by the end of January 2024. We’ll tell you more about that if you are successful.

How much is available?

The Festive Fund has about £10,000 to give out this year.

You can ask for up to £400.

How do I apply for money?

When this Fund is open, you can apply by filling out a short online application form via this link or on the ‘click here to apply’ box at the bottom of this page. This takes you to a registration page where you’ll need to enter your email address.

You don’t have to complete the form in one go. Instead, you can complete some sections then click ‘save draft’ at the bottom of the page. Use the link in your email to return to the form at another time.

You also need to attach the following documents alongside your application:

If you are aware that we hold the most recent copies of the above documents you do not need to submit these again.  If you are unsure what documents we hold copies of please contact us by emailing info@somersetcf.org.uk

Finally, you must read the terms and conditions and click ‘submit’.

Please contact us if you can’t use the online form, or you are unable to attach any of the documents. We’ll support you to make your application in another way.

What does Somerset Community Foundation do with my application?

You’ll receive an automatic email once you’ve submitted your application. This will include a copy of your application for your records. If you don’t receive this email then let us know.

A member of our Grants Team will look at your application. We’ll speak to partners like the Community Council for Somerset, Spark Somerset or the Somerset Diverse Communities Team if we need to understand more about your work. If we still have a question, then we’ll contact you. And if your group is new, then we may ask for a referee.

The Grants Team then take all the applications received to our Grants Panel. The Panel is a group of volunteers who have a wide range of skills and experiences. They will make the final decision on your application. They’ll consider:

 Need help applying for this money?

Call us on 01749 344949 and ask to speak to Peter or Kirsty in the Grants Team (Option 5) or email the team at info@somersetcf.org.ukPlease let us know your enquiry is about the Festive Fund.


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