Last year the Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund awarded £11,746 worth of grants to community organisations in the Dorchester area.
Local sports clubs, youth projects, projects for people with disabilities or long-term health related issues and projects tackling cost of living pressures were among those that benefitted from the funding.
Dorset Council collected the income from people who hired pitches at the weekly car boot sales held on Sunday mornings in Fairfield Car Park in Dorchester. The income collected is paid into the Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund, which is then used to help local community organisations.
Successful organisations were invited to a celebration tea at the Town Hall in Dorchester on Friday 15th May to receive certificates handed out by Councillor Molly Rennie – Chair of the Dorchester Markets Car Boot Fund Panel, Councillor Stella Jones – Chair of Dorset Council, and Mel Lane – the Mayoress of Dorchester, with the Mayor of Dorchester, Councillor Andy Canning, in attendance.
Councillor Molly Rennie said “it’s always lovely having the celebration tea which is a great opportunity for successful applicants to meet the funding panel and those who help to manage the market and to hear what a difference this grant makes to their group. Many people don’t realise that the money collected from stall holders on a Sunday goes directly back to their local community, so by coming and selling your stuff at the car boot, you not only have the chance for a good clear out and to make some money yourself, but you will be helping support some wonderful projects in the town. I would encourage all local organisations to look out for news about the opening of next year’s fund. We would love to help, but we can only do so if you apply.”
Steve Newman, Town Clerk for Dorchester said “The Dorchester Car Boot Fund is an amazing fund that helps projects around Dorchester. The celebration tea is a wonderful time for those successful organisations to celebrate and be awarded their certificates. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved with the Dorchester Car Boot.”
Community organisations in the Dorchester area were invited to apply for the funds in October 2025. A panel of Town and Dorset Council Councillors awarded the grants from the many applications received.
Successful organisations included Home-Start Wessex, Martinstown Cricket Club, Launchpad CIC, Dorchester Family Support, Space Youth Project, Project Linus West Dorset, Mid Dorset Mencap, Lions Club of Dorchester and District, Transition Town, Freewheelers Emergency Medical Couriers, Dorchester Cricket Club, Dorchester Youth Council, and Dorchester Youth and Community Centre
Going forward, the Car Boot Fund will be managed by Dorchester Town Council. The grant programme will
re-open for applications in September 2026 and details of how to apply will be found on their website.
