Dorset Community Groups Invited to Apply for New Round of Capital Funding

Community organisations across Dorset are being encouraged to apply for a new round of funding designed to help local projects expand, improve facilities, and deliver long-term benefits for residents.

Dorset Council has opened Round 7 of its Capital Leverage Fund, offering grants between £1,000 and £25,000 to not-for-profit groups working to improve community spaces and infrastructure across the county. Applications opened on 5 May 2026 and will remain open until January 2027.

The fund supports a broad range of community-led initiatives, including the renovation of village halls, upgrades to sports facilities, improvements to outdoor spaces, and the development of play areas and community buildings. Dorset Council says the programme is intended to help local organisations “turn their plans into reality” while creating lasting value for residents.

Projects linked to climate action, arts, culture, heritage, museums, and sports development are also eligible for support. Successful applicants can receive funding covering up to 20 per cent of total project costs, with organisations expected to secure the remaining 80 per cent independently before grants are released. A total of £155,000 has been allocated for this latest funding round.

According to Dorset Council, previous rounds of the scheme have already helped numerous local groups modernise and adapt important community facilities. In the last funding round alone, eight projects shared more than £70,000 to improve spaces used regularly by local residents.

Ryan Hope, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for customer, culture and community engagement, said the grants play an important role in supporting places where people gather, stay active, and participate in community life. He added that the council hopes to see strong applications from organisations throughout Dorset.

To qualify, projects must align with at least one of Dorset Council’s strategic priorities, while cultural organisations must also demonstrate how their work supports the council’s Cultural Strategy objectives. Funding decisions will be made during assessment periods scheduled for September 2026 and January 2027.

The Capital Leverage Fund forms part of Dorset Council’s wider programme of support for voluntary and community organisations. Additional schemes currently available include the Community and Culture Project Fund and the Dorset Council Youth Fund, which supports projects benefiting children and young people.

Further details about eligibility, funding criteria, and the application process can be found on the council’s dedicated funding pages.

https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/news/could-funding-help-your-community-project-reach-the-next-level-