Investing in community projects
The Somerset Community Grant Fund primarily helps community organisations in Somerset supporting and strengthening the building blocks of health.
Our funding is provided by various partner organisations across Somerset such as SPARK, Somerset Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) and Somerset Research Engagement Network (REN).
We offer funding calls for:
- Community-led projects: Open to all community organisations, regardless of research experience. You can propose projects you want to study, review, or trial, based on what matters most to your community.
- Priority topics: Sometimes, calls focus on specific themes identified by our funders.
Current grant funding call
Opening Date: Thursday 6 November 2025
Our first round of funding is from the Somerset HDRC. We invite applications for grants of up to £2,500 for projects that support one or more of the following building blocks of health:
Community-led projects
Total Funding Available: £10,000
We invite funding applications for up to £2,500 to fund a community-led project relating to the building blocks of health. Whilst Somerset HDRC’s current research priorities are education, economic inactivity, best start in life and housing, we invite community organisations to think about what they want to know more about to benefit their communities. This might mean reviewing an existing project, exploring local issues or trialling a new activity/initiative.
Employment / financial stability Building Block of Health
Total Funding Available: £10,000
We invite funding applications for up to £2,500 to fund projects addressing one or more of the following themes to support and strengthen Employment/Financial Stability as a building block of health.
- Reaching people who aren’t working and aren’t using support services
Exploring ways to connect with individuals who are economically inactive and not currently engaging with employment training or support programmes. - CV writing and job application support
Helping people improve their CVs and develop the skills needed to apply for jobs confidently. - Training for employers on supporting staff with long-term health conditions or disabilities
Providing guidance and training to employers to help them better understand and support employees living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. - Employment support for carers
Offering tailored support and training to help carers access employment opportunities or balance work with their caring responsibilities. - Transport solutions for people with long-term health conditions
Looking into practical transport options that make it easier for people with long-term health conditions/disabilities to get to and from training or work.
Online drop-in sessions
We will be hosting online drop-in sessions on the following dates:
Alternatively, please contact us on SomersetCommunityGrants@somerset.gov.uk for a chat with one of the team.
How to apply
Please fill out the small grant application form below.
To register interest for the drop-in sessions or submit your application, please contact us on: SomersetCommunityGrants@somerset.gov.uk
Closing date
The first round of funding will close on Friday 16 January 2026.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their grant application by Friday 31 January 2026.
We will have a second round of funding in February 2026 (date to be confirmed).