Deadline: 09-Mar-2026
The HPC Community Fund provides multi-year grant funding to community groups working to improve wellbeing and quality of life in areas affected by changes related to HPC.
Offering grants of over £10,000 per year, the fund supports locally driven ideas that directly address community needs, with funding decisions made quarterly and the next decision round expected in early May 2026.
Overview of the HPC Community Fund
The HPC Community Fund is designed to support community-led groups working in areas experiencing change due to HPC-related development and activity.
The fund focuses on helping communities adapt, thrive, and improve their quality of life by supporting projects that respond directly to local needs and challenges arising from these changes. It prioritises grassroots initiatives that strengthen community wellbeing, cohesion, and resilience.
Purpose and Core Aims
The HPC Community Fund aims to:
• Improve the wellbeing and quality of life of local communities
• Support groups responding to change and disruption linked to HPC
• Enable community-led ideas that make local areas better places to live
• Strengthen long-term community capacity and resilience
• Help communities navigate social, economic, and environmental change
What the Fund Supports
Types of Activities Funded
Funded activities should clearly benefit communities affected by HPC and may include:
• Community wellbeing and mental health initiatives
• Social inclusion and community cohesion projects
• Local facilities, services, or activities that improve daily life
• Support programmes addressing pressure on local services
• Projects helping communities adapt to change and growth
The fund is flexible but requires a clear and direct link between proposed activities and the needs created by HPC-related change.
Grant Size and Duration
Funding Amounts
• Multi-year grants available
• Funding of over £10,000 per year
• Larger awards available for ambitious or long-term projects
Decision Timelines
• Funding decisions are made every three months
• Next decision round: Early May 2026
• Applications requesting over £50,000 may take up to eight months to reach a decision
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Groups
To be eligible, applicant groups must meet minimum standards related to:
• Eligible group type (e.g. community groups, voluntary organisations)
• Clear purpose and community benefit
• Appropriate governance and leadership structures
• Sound financial management and controls
• Policies and procedures to keep people safe
Governance and Management Expectations
Groups must demonstrate:
• Transparent decision-making processes
• Responsible financial oversight
• Safeguarding practices appropriate to their activities
• Capacity to manage multi-year funding responsibly
How the Fund Works
Step-by-Step Process
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Identify a community need linked to changes caused by HPC.
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Design activities that clearly improve wellbeing or quality of life.
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Ensure your group meets governance and financial management standards.
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Submit a funding application outlining impact, delivery, and sustainability.
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Applications are assessed in quarterly decision rounds.
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Successful groups receive multi-year funding to deliver activities.
Why This Fund Matters
The HPC Community Fund is important because it:
• Directly supports communities experiencing rapid or disruptive change
• Gives local groups the resources to respond proactively
• Encourages community-led solutions rather than top-down approaches
• Invests in long-term wellbeing rather than short-term fixes
• Strengthens trust, cohesion, and resilience in affected areas
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Submitting projects without a clear link to HPC-related impact
• Failing to demonstrate how activities improve community wellbeing
• Weak governance or unclear financial management arrangements
• Applying for large amounts without realistic delivery plans
• Overlooking safeguarding and safety procedures
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly explain how HPC has affected your community
• Show strong community involvement in shaping the project
• Focus on measurable wellbeing and quality-of-life outcomes
• Demonstrate good governance and financial controls
• Be realistic about budgets, timelines, and capacity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main aim of the HPC Community Fund?
The fund aims to improve wellbeing and quality of life in communities affected by changes related to HPC.
How much funding can groups apply for?
Groups can apply for multi-year funding of over £10,000 per year. Larger grants are also available.
How often are funding decisions made?
Decisions are made every three months, with the next round expected in early May 2026.
Do larger funding requests take longer to process?
Yes. Applications requesting over £50,000 may take around eight months to reach a decision.
What types of groups can apply?
Community and voluntary groups that meet minimum standards for governance, financial management, and safeguarding.
Do projects need to be directly linked to HPC impacts?
Yes. Activities must directly address the needs of communities affected by changes due to HPC.
Is this fund for short-term or long-term projects?
The fund is designed to support multi-year, sustainable projects with lasting community impact.
Conclusion
The HPC Community Fund offers a valuable opportunity for community groups to secure sustained funding to improve wellbeing and quality of life in areas affected by HPC-related change.
By investing in locally led solutions, the fund empowers communities to respond positively to challenges, strengthen social cohesion, and build a better quality of life for people living with change.
For more information, visit Somerset Community Foundation.