Apply for money for your group
We give out money so you can:
- build on the good things that already happen in your community
- help people in your community who face challenges and who need extra support.
Most of our money is for small groups in Somerset. That’s because we know they can do things that bigger ones can’t.
Our money isn’t in one big fund, because it comes from lots of different places. So, if you want to ask us for money, you need to use the list below to decide which fund you should apply to. If you’re not sure about something, then ask us.
How do I apply?
You need to fill out an application form to ask us for money. The form asks questions about your group and what you would do with the money. It also asks you to attach some documents, like your group’s rules and bank details. This is usually all done on our online application form.
Each fund has its own:
- criteria (or rules). You must meet all the criteria if you want to be considered for some money. The criteria usually includes things like what type of group can apply, the size of the group, where in Somerset it runs and so on
- priorities (or interests). You are more likely to be successful if your group is involved in at least one of the priorities. They might include things like the type of work you are doing or the people you are helping.
You’ll find more details about the criteria and priorities on the fund pages below.
What if my group has never had a grant before?
We want to give more money to groups led by and for people who haven’t had much from us before. This includes groups led by and for people who are:
- from minority ethnic communities
- deaf and disabled
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+)
- women.
What money can I apply for today?
Hinkley Point C Community Fund
You can ask for a grant from £250 to over £50,000 from here if your group:
- is based in the county of Somerset (but not North Somerset or BANES)
- works in one or more communities that have been impacted by the construction of Hinkley Point C, or you wish to support people in your community to take advantage of its opportunities.
- will improve your community wellbeing and quality of life through your work
Click here to find out more about the Hinkley Point C Small, Strategic and Open Grants
Wessex Water Community Fund
You can ask for a grant of up to £3,000 from here if your group:
- is based in the county of Somerset
- works to improve the lives of local people, especially those who are in the most need of support.
High Sheriff of Somerset Charitable Trust
- is based in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary policing areas of Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire
- gives young people (up to the age of 25) the opportunity to help combat crime and the cause of crime in their communities.
High Sheriff of Somerset Charitable Trust - Neighbourhood & PCSO Policing Fund
- is based in the Avon and Somerset Constabulary policing areas of Bristol, Somerset and South Gloucestershire
- can complement the work of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) and Neighbourhood Constables within Neighbourhood Policing Teams
Mendip Hills Fund
- projects that benefit communities and the environment of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and the area defined by the Mendip Hills National Character Area (NCA 141) and
- provide one of the following:
- conservation and enhancement of the landscape
- education and interpretation projects to increase awareness, understanding and enjoyment
- social and economic initiatives including enhancing community facilities and support for start up of social enterprises, eg local food initiatives
Churchstanton Community Fund
- benefits the residents of Churchstanton Parish in the Blackdown Hills
Oake Sunshine Fund
- benefits the residents of Oake Parish in Somerset West and Taunton.
What if you don't give me any money?
Our money is given out at the discretion of our trustees. That means there is no ‘entitlement’ to our grants in the same way there might be to some money that is given out by the Government.
We may not give you any money because you don’t meet the criteria of the fund, or because we don’t have enough money to award everyone a grant.
We’ll tell you why we’re not giving you any money, but there is no right of appeal.
A complaints process is available if you disagree with the way we run our grants service.
