Dorset Communities Fund was set up by several trust transfers from Dorset County Council and supports shire Dorset based charitable projects. The initial transfer of funds was invested in an endowment fund and the yield from it is distributed in the form of grants to Dorset based projects each year.

The purpose of the fund is to provide long-term sustainable support that develops and strengthens the work of Dorset based charities and community groups. The income of the fund is only spent on Dorset specific organisations or used to tackle particular Dorset community issues. The fund particularly supports projects and voluntary organisations working within: Health and Social Welfare; Education and Skills; Arts; Heritage; Culture; and Environment; plus a Crisis Fund.

In 2015 the grants from Dorset Communities Fund will be distributed through the Neighbourhood Fund as the chosen priority for the fund this year is older people. For more details on the Neighbourhood Fund please click here.