Deadline: 13-Oct-2025
DCF, with thanks to the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund scheme and BCP Council for arranging the programme, is inviting applications for grants that will help BCP households impacted by the rising cost of living.
With £80,000 available in this round, grants of up to £6,500 are offered for winter activities running from November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, including crisis support and longer-term services to prevent vulnerable residents from falling into further hardship.
Funding is intended to support low-income and at-risk households such as families, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers, disabled people, larger families, and those facing one-off financial shocks.
Eligible projects may include access to food, essentials like hygiene or clothing, energy support, winter warm spaces, warmth packs, and advice services to build resilience. Applications are open to registered charities, community organisations,
CICs, companies limited by guarantee with not-for-profit clauses, and community benefit societies working in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Applicants must demonstrate strong governance, safeguarding, EDI policies, and financial independence, while schools, political or religious promotion, animal welfare, statutory bodies, and organisations with high reserves are not eligible.
For more information, visit Dorset Community Foundation.