Deadline: 29-Jun-2026
The Stronger Communities Fund provides grants of up to £5,000 to community-led groups across Somerset to strengthen local communities, improve community spaces, support vulnerable residents, and create opportunities for people to connect and thrive. The programme prioritises smaller organisations that are led by and serve their local communities.
The fund supports a wide range of community initiatives, including village halls, community centres, support groups, community transport projects, youth counselling services, social inclusion programmes, and activities that reduce loneliness and isolation. Approximately £350,000 is available annually, with around two-thirds of applications typically receiving funding.
What Is the Stronger Communities Fund?
The Stronger Communities Fund is a community grant programme designed to help local groups strengthen community life across Somerset.
The programme aims to support organisations that bring people together, improve local facilities, create stronger social connections, and help residents reach their full potential.
The fund replaces both the Main Grants Programme and The Somerset Fund, creating a single funding stream focused on community-led action and local impact.
By investing in grassroots organisations, the programme helps communities become more resilient, inclusive, and better connected.
Purpose of the Stronger Communities Fund
The fund exists to strengthen communities in a variety of ways, recognising that strong communities are built through relationships, participation, shared spaces, and mutual support.
Key objectives include:
- Building stronger relationships between community members
- Supporting community-led solutions to local challenges
- Improving access to community spaces and facilities
- Encouraging participation and community engagement
- Reducing social isolation and loneliness
- Supporting people who face barriers to inclusion
- Strengthening local leadership and decision-making
- Creating opportunities for individuals to reach their potential
Types of Communities Supported
The fund recognises that communities take many forms and supports a wide range of community-led initiatives.
Communities of Place
These are geographically based communities such as:
- Villages
- Town neighbourhoods
- Rural communities
- Housing estates
- Local districts
Projects that strengthen local identity, participation, and relationships within these areas are encouraged.
Communities of Interest
These communities are formed around shared identities, interests, or experiences.
Examples include:
- LGBTQ+ groups
- Cultural organisations
- Arts communities
- Hobby and interest groups
- Faith-based community initiatives
Communities of Action
These groups work together to achieve common goals.
Examples include:
- Environmental groups
- Conservation projects
- Community improvement initiatives
- Volunteer networks
- Local campaigning organisations
Communities of Circumstance
These communities are connected by shared life experiences or support needs.
Examples include:
- Carers’ groups
- Disability support organisations
- Mental health peer support groups
- Bereavement support groups
- Older people’s networks
Funding Available
Maximum Grant Size
Eligible groups can apply for grants of:
- Up to £5,000
Annual Funding Pot
The programme has:
- Up to £350,000 available each year
This allows the fund to support a large number of local organisations and community projects across Somerset.
Success Rates
The fund is generally able to support:
- Around two out of every three applications received
This makes it one of the more accessible community grant programmes available to local groups.
What Activities Can Be Funded?
The Stronger Communities Fund supports a broad range of community-focused activities and projects.
Community Connection Activities
Funding can support initiatives that:
- Bring people together
- Build social connections
- Encourage volunteering
- Increase community participation
- Strengthen neighbourhood relationships
Inclusion and Engagement Projects
Projects may focus on:
- Reaching isolated residents
- Engaging underrepresented groups
- Improving access to community life
- Supporting social inclusion
- Reducing barriers to participation
Community Transport Solutions
Funding may help develop:
- Volunteer transport services
- Community transport initiatives
- Accessible travel solutions
- Transport projects that improve access to services and activities
Community Organising and Leadership
The fund encourages activities that:
- Empower local residents
- Support community decision-making
- Build local leadership skills
- Encourage community action
Funding for Community Spaces and Facilities
The programme supports organisations that manage and operate important community facilities.
Eligible spaces may include:
Village Halls
Village halls often act as essential community hubs and gathering places.
Community Centres
Facilities that host activities, support services, and local events can receive support.
Sports Clubs
Community sports organisations that encourage participation and wellbeing may be eligible.
Community-Run Cafés and Libraries
Locally managed services that strengthen community engagement can apply.
Parks and Green Spaces
Projects that improve access to and use of public green spaces may qualify.
Performing Arts Venues
Community theatres, arts venues, and cultural spaces can be supported where they deliver local community benefit.
Supporting Vulnerable and Underrepresented Community Members
The fund places significant importance on helping people who may require additional support.
Youth Counselling Services
Projects that improve access to counselling and emotional support for young people can receive funding.
Peer Support Groups
Community-led peer support initiatives for adults facing challenges may be eligible.
Reducing Isolation Among Older People
Activities that tackle loneliness and improve social connection for older residents are encouraged.
Community Wellbeing Projects
Projects that improve mental health, wellbeing, resilience, and social support can align strongly with programme objectives.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Organisations
Applications are open to:
- Community-led groups
- Local voluntary organisations
- Community associations
- Grassroots community initiatives
- Not-for-profit community organisations
Geographic Eligibility
Applicants must be based within eligible areas of Somerset.
The programme does not support groups located in:
- Bath and North East Somerset (BANES)
- North Somerset
Governance Requirements
Groups must demonstrate appropriate governance arrangements.
Financial Management Requirements
Applicants must show they have suitable financial management systems in place.
Safeguarding Requirements
Where relevant, organisations must meet safeguarding standards and responsibilities.
Priority Groups
The fund particularly prioritises smaller local organisations.
Groups are more likely to receive support if they have:
- Annual running costs below £250,000
- Strong community leadership
- Clear local impact
- Strong community engagement
What Makes a Strong Application?
Applications are more likely to be successful when they demonstrate key characteristics valued by the fund.
Community-Led Decision Making
Projects should be shaped and led by the people they are designed to benefit.
Limited Previous Grant Support
The fund often seeks to support groups that have had fewer opportunities to access grant funding.
Collaboration and Partnership Working
Projects that connect with wider community activity and local networks are viewed positively.
Strong Reporting and Accountability
Groups that have demonstrated reliable reporting on previous grants may strengthen their chances of success.
Clear Community Need
Successful applications clearly explain:
- The challenge being addressed
- Who will benefit
- Why the project matters
- Expected outcomes
Why This Fund Matters
Strong communities play a critical role in improving wellbeing, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for people to participate fully in local life.
Many grassroots organisations operate with limited resources despite delivering essential services and activities.
The Stronger Communities Fund helps local groups:
- Build social connections
- Strengthen local resilience
- Support vulnerable residents
- Improve community facilities
- Increase participation
- Foster inclusion and belonging
By investing directly in community-led action, the programme helps create lasting social impact throughout Somerset.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your organisation:
- Is community-led
- Operates within eligible Somerset areas
- Meets governance, financial management, and safeguarding requirements
Step 2: Define Community Need
Clearly identify the issue, opportunity, or challenge your project will address.
Step 3: Develop Your Project Plan
Outline:
- Activities
- Target beneficiaries
- Expected outcomes
- Delivery timeline
Step 4: Prepare a Realistic Budget
Create a clear budget showing how grant funding will be used.
Step 5: Demonstrate Community Leadership
Explain how community members influence and guide the project.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Complete the application process and provide all required supporting information.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Evidence of Community Leadership
Projects should clearly demonstrate that local people influence decision-making.
Unclear Community Need
Avoid vague project descriptions and provide evidence of need.
Limited Outcome Information
Explain what changes the project will achieve and how success will be measured.
Poor Budget Planning
Ensure all costs are realistic, justified, and linked to project activities.
Insufficient Governance Information
Applicants should clearly demonstrate organisational capability and accountability.
Lack of Community Engagement
Projects developed without meaningful community involvement may be less competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding can organisations apply for?
Eligible groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000.
Who can apply to the Stronger Communities Fund?
Community-led groups and organisations operating within eligible areas of Somerset.
Does the programme support community buildings?
Yes. Community centres, village halls, sports clubs, community cafés, libraries, parks, green spaces, and performing arts venues may be eligible.
Can projects that support vulnerable people apply?
Yes. The fund supports projects that help young people, carers, older adults, and other groups who may need additional support.
Is the fund only for new projects?
Not necessarily. Funding can support both new and existing community initiatives that align with programme objectives.
What areas are excluded from the fund?
Groups located in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) and North Somerset are not eligible.
What improves the chances of receiving funding?
Community leadership, strong local impact, collaboration, limited previous grant support, and reliable reporting on past grants can strengthen an application.
Key Takeaways
- The Stronger Communities Fund offers grants of up to £5,000.
- The programme supports community-led organisations across eligible areas of Somerset.
- Up to £350,000 is available annually.
- Around two-thirds of applications are typically funded.
- Funding supports community connection, inclusion, wellbeing, transport, and local leadership.
- Community spaces such as village halls, community centres, sports clubs, and libraries can receive support.
- Smaller organisations with annual running costs below £250,000 are prioritised.
- Strong community leadership and clear local impact improve funding prospects.
Conclusion
The Stronger Communities Fund provides vital support for grassroots organisations working to strengthen communities across Somerset. Through grants of up to £5,000, the programme helps local groups create stronger social connections, support vulnerable residents, improve community spaces, and encourage active participation in community life. By prioritising community-led action and local decision-making, the fund empowers organisations to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for the people and communities they serve.
For more information, visit Somerset Community Foundation.
