Grants up to £3,000 for community-based activities or projects that meet a local need and seek to improve the lives of local people who are in most need of support.
These activities or projects should be informed by the people or community it seeks to serve and have considerable reach.
Priority will be given to activities that fulfil one or more of the following criteria:
- takes place in areas of multiple deprivation or rural isolation
- helps build stronger communities
- supports people who lack access to services
- helps people to manage or avoid debt and take steps to building financial capability
- raises awareness and take up of utility affordability support among those who need it most.
You can apply for a grant to help cover core costs and/or project costs. This can be for a new activity or something you are already doing. You should plan to start spending the grant within six months of when it is awarded.
Applicants must be based and operate within the Wessex Water region. The following types of organisations can apply for a grant:
- voluntary and community groups with charitable aims
- registered charities
- Community Interest Companies (CIC)
- Town and Parish Councils
- schools if they can demonstrate community benefit.
You must also have a board or committee with at least three members and the majority must not be related or living at the same address.
They will prioritise applicants whose income is less than £1million. This programme is targeted at groups and organisations where a small amount of money can make a significant difference.
They do not normally fund organisations that are holding more than 12 months’ worth of annual expenditure in unrestricted reserves. You also cannot apply if you have received any other funding from Wessex Water within the last 12 months.
They particularly welcome applications from groups led by Black, Asian and minoritised communities.
You can apply for a grant of up to £3,000 towards your project or activity, covering a period of up to 12 months.
Please note that this fund has deadlines throughout the year.