In 2021 we carried out a survey with groups who have applied to us for funding. One of the suggestions that resulted was to provide information on other funders local to Dorset, outside DCF programmes.
This list was published in September 2022 and may not be an exhaustive list. It features Dorset-based funders only – there are of course many other regional and national funders that consider applications from Dorset.
For advice on funders and support with funding applications we encourage groups to contact the following agencies who support local voluntary sector groups. They also provide advice, training and networking opportunities to support good governance.
- Community Action Network provides support to groups in the BCP area
- Volunteer Centre Dorset and Dorset Community Action provide support to groups in Dorset Council area.
It may also be helpful to use the below tools to search for appropriate funders.
- BCP Council Fund Finder (website and email alerts) and What Funds email newsletter
- Dorset Council Fund Finder (website and email alerts)
Dorset wide
- Hangers Heroes The Small Charities Charity
- Joan Turner Foundation
- The Arthur Francis Patrick McCullagh Trust
- The Chesil Trust
- The Dorset Garden Trust
- The Redlynch Charitable Trust
- The Redlynch Charitable Trust
- Boyle’s Educational Foundation
- The Gordon Charitable Trust
- Jack Bradshaw Educational Trust
- Steven Bernard Foundation
- The Bridge Educational Trust
- The Macdougall Trust
- The Phillis Romayne Charity
- Changing Key Dorset
BCP
- George Temperance Trust
- The Leonardo Trust
- Clingan’s Trust (Specified area)
- Christchurch Charitable Trust
- Christchurch Magdalen Trust (Christchurch)
- Legate’s Charity (Christchurch)
- Robert Braddon Educational Trust (Bournemouth)
- Roberts Thomson and Others Scholarships Foundation (Current and ex students of Bournemouth School)
East Dorset
- William Mackrell The Elder and Younger (Sturminster Marshall and surrounding area)
- The Leonardo Trust
- Christchurch Charitable Trust
- Christchurch Magdalen Trust (Christchurch)
Other sources of funding for individuals
- Turn2Us – search engine for grants to individuals and runs own funding programme
- Acts 435 – search engine for grants to individuals and runs own funding programme– platform for churches and faith organisations to find donors to support individuals in need
- Age UK – support finding grants available for older people
- Carers Trust – support finding grants for unpaid carers
- Citizens Advice (Dorset Council area) and Citizens Advice BCP – advice and support for those in financial difficulty, may be able to signpost to grants
- Disability Grants – guidance for parents/carers of disabled children