Grants up to £2,500 are now available for core costs for smaller charities, community groups, sports clubs and social enterprises based in Somerset - and a Shepton Mallet organisation has already received hundreds of pounds of funding.

Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), which is based at the Bath and West Showground near Shepton Mallet, manages the Somerset Fund and is encouraging groups that run on less than £100,000 per year to apply now for funding.

Shepton Mallet Ukulele Group received a grant for £682 from the Somerset Fund for equipment for their community performances.

The group performed at a lot of the open-air community events where the sound was being carried on the wind, and the grant was for an amplifier and microphones to improve their sound levels.

Chairman Ray Smith said: "We're delighted that now the coronavirus restrictions are starting to lift we're getting booked up again - new bookings for 2021 include a summer picnic event, a retirement party and we're doing regular monthly slots at local get togethers for people living with dementia, thanks to a group called Music Connect.

"It's well known that people with dementia respond positively to music, and I think it's really important to help people in need in your community, especially the elderly, if you can - it's a simple thing to be able to enhance their lives.

"We're self-funded with annual membership and group fees, and without the Somerset Fund grant we wouldn't be able to improve our offer to the community. We're extremely grateful for the grant - it's just been invaluable to us."

Helping with "core costs"

The grants from the Somerset Fund can be used to pay for ongoing running costs, known as "core costs".

Applications to the fund can be made through SCF's website and the deadline to apply is 5pm, Friday August 13 2021.

The Somerset Fund has supported a wide range of local charities since its launch in 2018, thanks to the generosity of local donors.

Kelly Hall, development manager at SCF, said: "The Somerset Fund is about helping us make our communities stronger by providing the places and spaces for people to get together.

"Examples of things the fund will support includes village halls or community centres, community shops, cafés or foodbanks, sports clubs or playing fields, or community events, groups and activities.

"Donating to the Somerset Fund a great way for local people to give to local good causes, helping to strengthen our charities and communities and change lives across Somerset.

"Thanks to the local businesses and individuals who have chosen to give through the Somerset Fund so far, it has already supported 96 good causes in the county and awarded more than £170,000 in grants to local grassroots charities.

"Plus, all donations are matched by 50 per cent thanks to funding from Somerset County Council, meaning it has an even greater impact."

Tireless work

Leader of Somerset County Council David Fothergill said: "The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the tireless work that grassroots charities and community groups do every day.

"I would encourage them to apply to the fund and look to the future as we move further along the road to recovery.

"I would also like to thank them for all that they have done – and continue to do. That extra bit of financial support will help those groups and organisations to carry on with their much-appreciated community work."

If you are involved with a Somerset-based community group or charity, supporting children and young people, older people, and adults, larger grants from other funds are also available from SCF.

To find out more about how to apply for funding, from £250 up to grants in excess of £50,000, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/apply, email [email protected] or call SCF on 01749 344949.

If you run a local business and would like to find out more about giving through the Somerset Fund, visit www.somersetcf.org.uk/tsf or you can email [email protected] or call 01749 344949.

Somerset Community Foundation is a charity that helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local charities and inspiring local giving and philanthropy.

They aim to build stronger communities in Somerset where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

They provide rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give through them, to the causes and places they care about most.

Since SCF were founded in 2002 they've awarded more than £15 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.