9 October 2025
£1.8 million boost for Somerset communities thanks to Hinkley Point C Community Fund
Over 50 local groups shared £1.8 million in grants from the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund over the past year according to Somerset Community Foundation’s (SCF) new HPC annual report.
Managed by SCF and now in its 7th year, the Fund helps communities adapt to the changes brought by HPC and supports local people to benefit from the opportunities it creates.
Over £10 million has now been awarded to more than 200 local groups since the Fund launched – helping boost quality of life and wellbeing in communities near the HPC development.
“This funding is making a real difference to local people in Bridgwater and the surrounding areas,” said Andy Ridgewell, Programmes Director at SCF. “Over the past year we’ve supported everything from end-of-life care and youth services to sports facilities and community centres – projects that strengthen community life and help people feel more connected and supported.”
Among the 54 grants awarded last year are:
- £150,000 to Weston Hospicecare and £132,294 to St Margaret’s Hospice to expand community nursing services so more people can receive palliative care at home.
- £105,000 to ARK at Egwood to run a dedicated Armed Forces Hub in Bridgwater.
- £100,000 to Wembdon Village Hall for new changing facilities for local players.
- 38 small grants for local events, sports clubs, meals for isolated residents and youth activities – including £10,000 to 1st Watchet Sea Scouts for weatherproof boat storage.
The report also highlights new work to shape the Fund’s long-term impact, with local people sharing their aspirations for life after HPC is built.
Andrew Cockcroft, Head of Stakeholder Relations at Hinkley Point C, added: “Hinkley Point C’s Community fund is a long-term commitment to the local area, with our ongoing partnership with Somerset Community Foundation truly making a difference to the lives and livelihoods of people from across Somerset. It helps recognise that without the support of our local host communities it would simply not be possible to deliver the project’s significant social and economic benefits to the area and to the country.”
Find out more about the HPC Community Fund and read the HPC annual report: www.somersetcf.org.uk/hpc
About the HPC Community Fund:
The HPC Community Fund includes the Small Grants Programme which awards grants of up to £20,000, and the Open Grants Programme, for larger applications.
The funding is for groups working in local communities to address changes to people’s quality of life or to make the most of the opportunities created by Hinkley Point C. Visit www.hpcfunds.co.uk for more details. If you would like to discuss your project or idea please contact Amelia Thompson, Senior Programmes Manager: amelia.thompson@somersetcf.org.uk or call: 01749 344949.
The HPC Community Fund is part of a wider commitment of funding provided by EDF through Section 106 agreements. It is available for communities that are affected by the development of the new nuclear power station, to help promote their social, economic and environmental wellbeing and enhance their quality of life. Hundreds of projects have benefitted so far, and in total almost £15.5 million in grants have been awarded to date, including £9.6 million from the Fund managed by SCF.
About Somerset Community Foundation:
Somerset Community Foundation is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. They do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.
SCF provides simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and their unrivalled local knowledge.
For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, they provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. They provide over £4 million of funding to local groups every year.
By inspiring local giving and funding social action, they support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams.
Photo caption: Stogursey Community Network’s lunch club
