The fund is open to ideas that remove barriers to participation, support independence, and create meaningful, long-term change in communities across the county.

For the current round, approximately £500,000 is available to distribute, with an expectation to make between 10 and 15 awards. The fund typically supports around two out of every three applications received, making this a promising opportunity for those with strong, community-led proposals. While the foundation usually prioritises smaller groups with annual incomes under £250,000, this round is open to some larger organisations as well.

The focus remains on supporting grassroots and locally rooted organisations, particularly those led by people from the communities they serve. Priority will also be given to groups that have received little or no charitable funding in the past, as well as those whose work connects or complements existing services in their area. Groups that have previously received grants from Somerset Community Foundation and provided timely and thorough reporting are more likely to be successful.

Applicants can request funding for a wide range of ideas—from small pilot projects to larger, more strategic initiatives. Whether the goal is to provide inclusive social spaces, deliver tailored training, or launch new services, the fund is open to proposals that will help reshape what inclusion looks like at the community level.

For those driven to bring people together, bridge accessibility gaps, and build stronger, more welcoming communities in Somerset, this fund offers both the financial support and partnership to make those goals achievable.

For more information, visit Somerset Community Foundation.