Grants for charities and community groups in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
3 local funds open or opening soon, from 1 funder, 1 closing in the next four weeks. Last updated 2 November 2026.
Most relevant local funds
DCF Bursary Scheme
Dorset Community Foundation
- Amount
- Up to £1,000
- Status
- Open, closes 8 February 2027
- Who can apply
- Open to community interest company (cic), company limited by guarantee (non-charity), constituted community group and registered charity.
What it pays for: equipment, training
An individual bursary for Dorset and BCP residents aged 16 to 25 undertaking vocational further education at specified colleges or sixth forms. Applicants must first apply to their institution's bursary scheme.
The funder's own page for DCF Bursary Scheme (opens in a new tab)Last checked 2 November 2026
Green Futures Fund
Dorset Community Foundation
- Amount
- Up to £4,000
- Status
- Open, closes 16 November 2026
- Who can apply
- Open to charitable incorporated organisation (cio), cic limited by guarantee, company limited by guarantee (non-charity), constituted community group and registered charity.
What it pays for: project costs
A Dorset Community Foundation fund launched in 2026 to support and inspire young people engaging with environmental conservation, climate action, education and green careers.
The funder's own page for Green Futures Fund (opens in a new tab)Last checked 31 October 2026
SWEF Enterprise Fund
Dorset Community Foundation
- Amount
- Up to £2,000
- Status
- Open, rolling (no fixed closing date)
- Who can apply
- Open to community interest company (cic), company limited by guarantee (non-charity), constituted community group and registered charity.
What it pays for: equipment
A rolling grant programme for Dorset residents aged 18 to 30 who are starting or developing an early-stage business. The business must be less than two and a half years old.
The funder's own page for SWEF Enterprise Fund (opens in a new tab)Last checked 2 November 2026
Closing soon
- Green Futures Fund: closes 16 November 2026
Local funders
Dorset Community Foundation
Dorset Community Foundation supports Dorset-based charities, voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises and individuals through grants and bursaries, with a focus on local needs and...
Website for Dorset Community Foundation (opens in a new tab)
Questions answered
- Can CICs apply for grants in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole?
- 3 of the 3 local funds listed here accept CICs.
- Can community groups that are not registered charities apply?
- 3 of the 3 local funds listed here accept unregistered or constituted community groups.
- Are there grants in Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with no deadline?
- 1 of the 3 local funds listed here are rolling, with no fixed closing date.
- Are there grants of £10,000 or more?
- 0 of the 3 local funds listed here offer up to £10,000 or more.
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