Apply now for Somerset Older People’s Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 03-Aug-2026

The Somerset Older People’s Fund provides grants of up to £10,000 to support community-led projects that improve the health, wellbeing, and social connections of older people across Somerset. The fund focuses on reducing loneliness, supporting active ageing, improving mental and physical health, and assisting people living with dementia and their carers.

The programme prioritises smaller Somerset-based organisations with annual incomes under £250,000 and aims to support around two-thirds of applications in each funding round. It is designed to reach underserved older adults, including those facing isolation, deprivation, or caring responsibilities.

What Is the Somerset Older People’s Fund?

The Somerset Older People’s Fund is a targeted community grant programme designed to improve the quality of life for older people across Somerset.

It supports organisations delivering projects that enhance:

• Physical and mental health
• Social inclusion and connection
• Independence and active living
• Support for carers and vulnerable individuals
• Access to community services and activities

The fund recognises that older people may face multiple barriers to wellbeing, including isolation, mobility challenges, financial hardship, and limited access to services.

Fund Priorities

The programme focuses on three core priority areas.

1. Healthy and Active Ageing

Projects that help older people live active and healthy lives, including:

• Physical activity programmes
• Movement and mobility support
• Falls prevention initiatives
• Mental wellbeing activities
• Nutrition and healthy eating programmes

2. Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation

Projects that strengthen social connections and reduce isolation, including:

• Befriending services
• Community transport initiatives
• Social groups and clubs
• Support for older carers
• Activities that build community participation

3. Dementia Support

Projects supporting people affected by dementia, including:

• Dementia-friendly community activities
• Support services for people living with dementia
• Respite and support for carers
• Memory support groups
• Awareness and inclusion initiatives

Who Can Benefit?

The fund is designed to support older people across Somerset, with a strong emphasis on reaching underserved groups.

Definition of Older People

The fund generally defines older people as:

• Aged 65 and above

However, it may also support:

• People under 65 affected by dementia
• Younger carers supporting older adults or people with dementia

Priority Beneficiary Groups

Projects are encouraged to support older people who are:

• Experiencing social isolation
• Living on low incomes
• Living in areas of higher deprivation
• Carers or being cared for
• Seldom heard or underserved in community services

Geographic Eligibility

Funding is available for projects delivered in:

• Somerset

The following areas are excluded:

• Bristol
• Bath and North East Somerset (BANES)
• North Somerset

Funding Available

Grant Size

Eligible organisations can apply for:

• Up to £10,000 per project

Annual Funding Pot

The programme has:

• £100,000 available in this funding round

Expected Success Rate

The fund aims to support:

• Around two out of every three applications

This indicates a relatively high likelihood of funding for strong, eligible proposals.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Organisations

Applications are open to:

• Community groups
• Charities
• Voluntary organisations
• Small Somerset-based not-for-profits
• Organisations working with or for older people

Organisational Size Preference

Priority is given to smaller organisations with:

• Annual income under £250,000

Governance and Safeguarding Requirements

All applicants must meet minimum standards relating to:

• Organisational governance
• Financial management systems
• Safeguarding policies and procedures
• Accountability and reporting capacity

What the Fund Will Not Support

Funding cannot be used for:

• Individual grant applications to private persons
• Activities that should be delivered by public bodies
• Political party activities or campaigning
• Religious conversion or influence activities
• Animal welfare-only projects
• Projects with no clear community or charitable purpose
• Medical research or clinical treatment services
• Costs incurred before funding approval
• Fundraising activities for other organisations
• Hardship relief or direct financial assistance to individuals

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

The fund supports both new and existing initiatives that improve older people’s wellbeing.

Eligible Project Types

• Community wellbeing programmes
• Health and activity sessions
• Social clubs and engagement activities
• Dementia support initiatives
• Befriending and outreach services
• Transport solutions for older people
• Carer support programmes
• Intergenerational activities
• Community inclusion projects

Who Is Prioritised for Funding?

Applications are more likely to succeed if they demonstrate:

Community Leadership

• Projects led by older people or communities they serve

Focus on Underserved Groups

• Targeting isolated or marginalised older adults

Collaboration

• Working with health services, voluntary groups, or care providers

Limited Previous Funding

• Smaller organisations or those with less grant history

Strong Local Integration

• Clear links to wider health, care, or voluntary sector networks

Can Existing Projects Apply?

Yes. The fund may support existing projects if they:

• Clearly improve health and wellbeing outcomes
• Align with fund priorities
• Demonstrate continued or expanded community benefit

Why This Fund Matters

Older people face increasing risks of:

• Loneliness and isolation
• Physical inactivity
• Mental health challenges
• Reduced access to services
• Care-related stress

This fund addresses these challenges by supporting local organisations that provide:

• Social connection
• Health and wellbeing activities
• Practical support services
• Community inclusion opportunities

By investing in grassroots organisations, the programme strengthens community-based care and improves quality of life for older residents.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation:

• Operates in Somerset
• Meets income and governance requirements
• Works with older people

Step 2: Identify Priority Need

Clearly define whether your project focuses on:

• Healthy ageing
• Social isolation
• Dementia support

Step 3: Design Your Project

Outline:

• Activities
• Target group
• Delivery plan
• Expected outcomes

Step 4: Prepare Budget and Evidence

Include:

• Clear cost breakdown
• Justification for expenditure
• Organisational capability evidence

Step 5: Demonstrate Community Impact

Show how the project will:

• Improve wellbeing
• Reduce isolation
• Strengthen community connections

Step 6: Submit Application

Complete the application process and ensure all required documentation is included.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Weak Targeting of Older People

Projects must clearly demonstrate focus on older adults or dementia-affected groups.

Lack of Measurable Outcomes

Applications should define clear benefits and expected results.

Ineligible Activities

Ensure the project does not fall under excluded categories such as medical treatment or individual hardship relief.

Poor Budget Clarity

All costs must be clearly explained and justified.

Weak Evidence of Need

Applications should show why the project is necessary in the local community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much funding can be applied for?

Up to £10,000 per project is available.

Who is considered an older person under this fund?

Generally people aged 65 and over, but also younger people affected by dementia or caring responsibilities.

Can existing projects apply?

Yes, if they align with fund priorities and improve older people’s wellbeing.

What areas are excluded from the fund?

Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, and North Somerset are not eligible.

What is the total funding available?

£100,000 is available in this funding round.

What types of projects are most likely to succeed?

Projects focused on reducing isolation, improving health, supporting dementia, and engaging underserved older people.

Key Takeaways

• Grants of up to £10,000 are available for older people’s wellbeing projects.
• The fund focuses on health, social connection, and dementia support.
• Somerset-based organisations with income under £250,000 are prioritised.
• Approximately two-thirds of applications are funded.
• Projects must avoid excluded activities such as medical treatment, political activity, or individual hardship relief.
• Strong applications show clear impact on isolated or underserved older adults.

Conclusion

The Somerset Older People’s Fund plays a vital role in improving the lives of older residents across Somerset by supporting grassroots organisations delivering essential health, wellbeing, and social inclusion services. By funding community-led projects that reduce isolation, promote active ageing, and support dementia care, the programme helps build stronger, healthier, and more connected communities for older people.

For more information, visit Somerset Community Foundation.