Dorset communities benefit from £100K grant funding

Community groups and cultural organisations in Dorset have been awarded almost £100,000 thanks to the council’s Community and Culture Project Grant Fund.

The latest round of grants (Round 7) saw an impressive number of high-quality applications from both Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and Cultural Organisations, reflecting the vibrant and diverse community spirit in the county.

Dorset Council awarded a total of £54,625 to14 organisations covering a diverse range of projects ranging from skateboarding initiatives for low-income families to theatre experiences for individuals living with profound learning difficulties.  

In addition, 12 grants totalling £39,879 was awarded to support projects such as food banks, cookery classes, climate and environmental green initiatives as well as projects designed to support young people and families.

The Dorset Community Foundation also awarded a further £6,300 to three deserving applicants who met the criteria for the Dorset Performing Arts Fund. The recipients are:

• Bridport Youth Dance Choreography: Awarded £3,000 to support their intergenerational dance project.
• Brave Bold Drama CIC: Received £2,300 to produce and deliver their next touring theatre programme free to four venues in Dorset.
• We are Weymouth Ltd: Granted £1,000 towards the participative elements of their Dusk to Dark event with Weymouth College.

Cllr Ryan Hope, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said:” It’s great news that so many community and voluntary groups, which do a great job supporting our residents in Dorset, are receiving a financial boost to fund some excellent projects.

“So far this year, we have seen some fantastic projects get underway helped by the funding they need to thrive, and we are very proud of the creativity and dedication shown by all applicants.”

For more information about the Community and Cultural Project Grant Fund and future application rounds, please visit Dorset Council’s website.