What are Community Foundations?

We are part of a national network of Community Foundations, charities dedicated to strengthening local communities, creating opportunities and tackling issues of disadvantage and exclusion.

We make a difference by directing grants to local charities and voluntary organisations that make a genuine and lasting impact on the lives of local people.  Importantly, Community Foundations are independent and “Cause-neutral”.  Our only agenda is to make sure that local giving meets the most pressing local needs.

Community Foundations have been active in the UK since the 1980’s.  There are approximately 60 Foundations now established across the country  covering about 90% of the UK population.

Somerset Community Foundation was set up in 2002 to provide a new independent funding body to tackle poverty and disadvantage throughout Somerset. The Foundation has two unique characteristics:

We are able to support a diverse range of charitable causes across Somerset, which means that the Foundation can respond to the specific and changing needs of each community

And - we provide a flexible, professional and personal 'donor service' to help them achieve their specific charitable goals withing Somerset.

At the heart of our approach is a strong belief in the importance of helping communities respond to their local circumstances in their own way.

read more > Local knowledge, experience and expertise
read more > Helping donors make a difference
read more > The bigger picture

In July 2008 we were awarded the contract to deliver the Government’s Grassroots Grants Programme in Somerset. Between now and March 2011 we will have over £600,000 to distribute in local grants, and we also have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to match new donations to our Endowment Fund with additional Government funds, all for the long-term benefit of local communities.

Links to the South West Foundations:

Registered Charity No. 1094446
Registered in England and Wales No. 4530979