Together we’ve given local charities over £25 million Since 2002

Thanks to the generosity of our many local donors, funders and partners, we’ve provided £25 million of vital funding for small, local charities across the county. Through their work, we’ve changed thousands of lives for the better and helped build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone can thrive.

You’ll find a host of inspiring Impact Stories about the difference we’ve made together below.

See our impact stories

In 2022/23 we awarded over £5 million of funding to local charities, community groups and social enterprises.

  • We’ve funded a huge range of causes, from youth projects to support for older people with dementia, and from mental health groups to community hubs
  • We awarded our largest ever grant of £1.25 million which was made possible thanks to our Hinkley Point C Community Fund
  • We also awarded 4 social investments providing a mix of loan and grant funding worth £192,516.

£0M+

Overall funding awarded in 2022-23

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Typical grant awarded to groups

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Groups supported in 2022-23

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Of our funding supported Somerset’s most deprived communities

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Of our funding supported Somerset’s most rural communities

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Typical income of groups we funded

HOW DO WE MEASURE THE IMPACT OF OUR FUNDING?

Measuring the difference that our funding has made is a vital part of our work. It allows us to direct funds to where they will have the most impact and share feedback and insights with donors and funders. Funded groups report their impact back to us in different ways, depending on the size and type of funding we provided. In every case, we align their work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, helping us all to think global, and act local.

More about how we measure impact

Our impact stories

County-wide

Nick’s story – a bright idea to transform young lives

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County-wide

Working in partnership to support Old Mill’s clients

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Taunton & Wellington

Over 15 years’ funding for Escape Support Group

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Yeovil

St Peter’s Community Centre: a warm space for all

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Wincanton

BearCat Collective build a more sustainable community

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Cheddar & Axbridge

Men’s Shed tackles isolation and improves wellbeing

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Glastonbury & Street

Helping Children’s World change young lives since 2002

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Bridgwater

The Somerset Fund helps Bridgwater hub through the pandemic

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Shepton Mallet

Food Forest Project grows fresh food for Shepton food bank

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Frome

Active and In touch: reducing isolation in Frome

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Yeovil

Yeovil Youth Theatre grant helps group through the pandemic

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Shepton Mallet

The Old Stores Studio unites a community through crafts

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Bridgwater

3-year grant for vital Bridgwater community work

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County-wide

The Nelson Trust: changing women’s lives in Bridgwater

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County-wide

Over £250,000 to help PROMISEworks change young lives

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Taunton & Wellington

£150,000 helps Youth UnLimited reach young people in need

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County-wide

Ups and Downs Southwest helps Oliver thrive

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Yeovil

Somerset Fund supports rural Community Shop

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Taunton & Wellington

Somerset Fund funds grassroots rugby club

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Cheddar & Axbridge

Somerset Fund improves Cheddar Village Hall

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Shepton Mallet

Ukulele Group brings people together through music

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Somerton & Langport

Somerset Fund helps Langport dementia group

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Wells

Somerset Fund supports Wells school conservation area

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Taunton & Wellington

Coronavirus Appeal funds bikes for NHS workers

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Taunton & Wellington

Taunton Scrubbers kit out NHS staff

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Bridgwater

HPC Community Fund brings diverse communities together

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Frome

Coronavirus Appeal supports Frome’s most disadvantaged

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Frome

Purple Elephant: reaching families in need in Frome

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Taunton & Wellington

How Taunton Open Door changed Graham’s life

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County-wide

Surviving Winter grant came just in time for Audrey

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