Grants are available for organisations seeking to start new activities and events that benefit their local communities.
The Community and Culture Project Fund, now in its 11th round, is open for applications from 10 August to 30 September 2026.
Dorset Council, which manages the grants, is looking forward to applications from ‘not for profit’ community groups including:
- museums
- arts
- heritage
- physical activity
- sport
- play
Small grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 are available to support organisations to launch new activities or events that make a real difference to the lives of Dorset residents, especially those who are marginalised or disadvantaged.
Applications will close at midnight on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Applicants must provide a minimum of 20% of their total project costs and demonstrate how their projects will make an impact in their communities.
The fund supports Dorset Council’s Cultural Strategy 2026-2031, which recognises the important role that culture, heritage and community activities play in creating vibrant places, improving wellbeing and strengthening local communities.
See full details on eligibility and how to apply.
Councillor Matt Bell, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Prevention and Communities at Dorset Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide these small but vital grants, which make a real difference to the lives of people who live and work in Dorset.
“Previous rounds of funding have been a great success, supporting a wide range of inspiring projects that have strengthened and enriched local communities.
“We look forward to awarding many more grants in the coming months and seeing the positive impact these projects will continue to have across Dorset.”
See all the funding available for voluntary and community groups at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/voluntary-and-community-funding
