Somerset Community Foundation

Somerset Community Foundation, established in 2002 by local residents, business leaders, and philanthropists in Somerset, England, is a place-based funder dedicated to strengthening communities, tackling disadvantage, and transforming lives through mobilising local philanthropy. Its mission emphasises inclusivity, partnership, integrity, and local empowerment, supporting grassroots charitable action to address pressing social challenges with community-led, long-term solutions that blend donor funds, statutory partnerships, and rapid crisis responses like COVID-19 relief.

It funds a broad spectrum of initiatives addressing poverty, rural and social isolation, health and wellbeing (including mental health and disability), support for children, young people, older people, families, minoritised groups (e.g., LGBTQ+ inclusion), community cohesion, and environmental sustainability. Grants cover project work, core funding, capacity building, volunteer expenses, small capital improvements (e.g., defibrillators, social spaces), and blended social investment for social enterprises, via programmes like the Stronger Communities Fund, Hinkley Point C Community Fund, and hardship relief—prioritising grassroots efforts that build social capital and resilience.

Eligible applicants include UK-registered charities, CICs, community groups, and social enterprises operating strictly within Somerset county boundaries (excluding BANES and North Somerset), with a preference for smaller, volunteer-led organisations under £250,000 annual income; medium-sized groups qualify for select funds, requiring solid governance, safeguarding, and finances.

Typical grants range from £1,000 to £10,000 (up to £20,000–£40,000 for larger or multi-year awards). Unsolicited applications are welcomed via online forms, with quarterly deadlines (next: 28 November 2025 for Stronger Communities Fund); decisions take 8-12 weeks. It excludes non-public benefit activities or poor governance standards, standing out for its exclusive Somerset focus, empowerment of underfunded locals, and flexible support fostering equitable, root-cause solutions.