Community Grants Funding Scheme
Each year, Bridgwater Town Council allocates funds to support organisations, clubs, societies, and groups that help to build a sustainable community and economy for Bridgwater residents. These organisations often address unmet needs and enhance the cultural, social, and environmental fabric of the area. This community grant scheme has been established to recognise and support these organisations and enable them to continue delivering their valuable services.
All application must adhere to the council’s Grant Funding Policy opens pdf file or Sponsorship Policy – please read before applying.
One-off grants of up to £2,500 available for community groups to support specific projects.
One-off grants of up to £500 available for initiatives led by young people to benefit young people.
The Council gives grants of up to £20,000 to specific community venues based in Bridgwater.
Bridgwater Town Council is supporting multiple venues in the town in 2025. The Venue Grants Scheme will re-open in April 2026.
The Town Council can choose to sponsor individuals or support events that fall outside of the usual grant criteria.
Community Grant Funding Scheme is for one-off grants up to £2,500 for community groups.
Time table for Community Grant Scheme 2024 – 2025.
| Deadline for submission | Meeting Date | Amount |
| 15 May 2024 | 12 June 2024 | £4,500 approx. spend in this cycle |
| 17 July 2024 | 14 August 2024 | £4,500 approx. spend in this cycle |
| 13 November 2024 | 11 December 2024 | £4,500approx. spend in this cycle |
| 29 January 2025 | 26 February 2025 | £4,500 approx. spend in this cycle |
| Total | £18,000 actual available budget allocation. |
Youth Grants – the Council has provided a budget of £10,000 to the Youth Forum.
If you are interested in applying for a venue grant in the next financial year, please email Fundraising Officer, Helen Astill at [email protected] to express your interest.
Application Process
All grant or sponsorship applications must be made online using the appropriate form (above). If it is not possible for applicants to complete the online form a printable versions are available, please email the Fundraising Officer – Helen Astill, to request a form.
Printed forms must be submitted by post to the Fundraising Officer with the requisite supporting documents.
If you prefer to answer any of the grant application questions with a short video instead of a written response, or if you wish to include images or a film to support any of your answers, please send them (labelled and with their corresponding question number) to the Fundraising Officer – Helen Astill
E-mail – [email protected]
Deadlines
Grant and sponsorship applications are reviewed twice a year at the Grants sub-Committee meeting (dates in table below). Applicants must be available to attend and present, or answer questions about their grant application during the scheduled Grants sub-Committee meeting.
Project Grants have a budget of £16,000 per year, £8,000 each round. The application window for Youth Led Grants, Venue Grants and Sponsorship will close once their yearly budget has been awarded.
Timetable for Community Grant Scheme 2025 – 2026.
Application Deadline | Grants Sub-Committee Date | Budget |
21 May 2025 | 18 June 2025 | Project Grants – £8,000 (16k Total) Youth Led Grants – £5,000 (yearly) Venue Grants – £73,800 (Re-opens April 2026) Sponsorship – £13,600 (yearly) |
12 November 2015 | 10 December 2025 | Project Grants – £8,000 (16k Total) Youth Led Grants – £5,000 (yearly) Venue Grants – £73,800 (Re-opens April 2026) Sponsorship – £13,600 (yearly) |
Further information
Voluntary and community events are an important aspect of everyday life that help encourage people to play a more active part in society.
They may celebrate a particular occasion, raise funds for a good cause or simply bring people in a community closer together. The Government have worked with a range of civil society and government organisations to develop this guide, which will:
- help you to plan and run successful events
- if you are holding a particular type of event, help you to find the specific advice you need
Visit the opens in a new windowGOV.UK website for more information.
Core Grant Fund – the Council provides a core grant of £20,000 each to Bridgwater Art Centre, Sydenham Community Centre and Victoria Park Community Centre.
