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Somerset Community Foundation

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Somerset Community Foundation

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We help passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep. We do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving.
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Somerset Community Foundation is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. We provide simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and our unrivalled local knowledge. For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, we provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. We provide around £5 million of funding to local groups every year. By inspiring local giving and funding social action, we support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams. Since we were founded in 2002 we’ve awarded over £31 million in funding, changing thousands of lives across Somerset.

29/10/2026

Across Somerset, local people are changing the world on their doorstep 🏡

Jess Wright, who helped a community hub in Crewkerne grow from supporting around 150 people a month to more than 400.

Brian, who joined a brass band at 11 and has now set up a Fund so young people can find connection through music.

Pam, who at 95 is leaving a gift in her Will so she can keep helping folk who are struggling.

Their stories, and many more, are in our Impact Report 2025/26. Thanks to you, this year we awarded more than £6.2 million to local groups and individuals in every corner of our wonderful county.

Read it here 👉 https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/71311747/directing-funds-driving-change-impact-report-2025-26

UK Community Foundations Spark Somerset Thrive Somerset Open Doors Somerset Wivey Link Community Transport Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall

27/10/2026

Last week, we welcomed more than 150 fundholders, donors, trustees, partners, and charity and community leaders from the Bridgwater area to our Annual Celebration at The McMillan Theatre.

From a fireside chat with local changemakers Lucinda, Mike, and Will, to an inspiring performance by the young people from Streetlinkz Bridgwater , the evening was a real celebration of the power of community.

We were proud to share the insights, data and real-life stories, that show how together we are transforming lives across Somerset. Reflecting on what we’ve achieved over the past year with the people who share our commitment to Somerset is always a joy.

A huge thank you to our headline sponsor, Sarasin and Partners.

We can’t wait to see you next year, as we celebrate 25 years of strong roots and shared futures.

19/10/2026

The hydrotherapy pool at Compass Wellbeing has been a lifeline for people with additional needs in Somerset for over 10 years.

A £27,000 grant from our Discovery Community Fund contributed towards a full refurbishment.

Spaces like this in our community are rare – and essential for the wellbeing of those who need them. We’re proud to support projects that maintain facilities like this one, so that Becky and many others can continue to access a space that enriches their lives.

Read the full story: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/stories/how-a-hydrotherapy-pool-gives-becky-the-chance-to-hug-her-mum/

Dimensions

16/10/2026

Emily Berridge, our Research and Insights Manager, says sourcing information that influences the groups and individuals we fund is a rewarding and healing part of her work at SCF.

In her blog for Mental Health Awareness Week, Emily talks openly about her experience with close personal loss and navigating complicated grief. She shares examples of funding that directly supports people living with mental health difficulties, from In Charley's Memory supporting young people at crisis point, to Exmoor Hill Farming Network starting early conversations about farmers’ mental health.

Read Emily's blog: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/about/news/what-my-own-mental-health-journey-has-taught-me-about-the-groups-we-fund-emilys-story/

Content note: this blog talks about su***de and loss.

14/10/2026

Our own experiences shape how we understand the communities we support. Some of our team have experienced mental health challenges themselves, and it gives them a deeper understanding of the people and groups we fund. To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, some of our colleagues have chosen to share what their experiences have taught them about their work.

Kirsty Campbell, our Senior Programmes Manager, works closely with communities across Somerset, so she sees first-hand how much connection and belonging matter.

In her blog, Kirsty talks openly about her own anxiety and her children’s experiences. She shares relevant resources and explains why the groups that bring people together make such a difference to mental health.

Read Kirsty's blog: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/about/news/what-my-own-mental-health-journey-has-taught-me-about-the-groups-we-fund-kirstys-story/?_gl=1*1bv2otc*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..*_ga*MjEyODQwODM1OS4xNzkxOTg0OTI5*_ga_GH4496G74W*czE3OTE5ODQ5MjkkbzEkZzEkdDE3OTE5ODQ5NTgkajMxJGwwJGgw&gclid=CjwKCAjw0LzWBhBOEiwAKQd0cNlL1hcshTFJH_fniHPNw7kFqCFREzptdVCQ8uBZVz5A6t9CXBWJkhoCkoEQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAABCixWYnCD5-mdyITHrIdw0YoiWtkf

05/10/2026

Communities are shaped by people with ideas and a deep love for the places they call home. Jess Wright is one of them.

In the past, less funding has reached Crewkerne than some other towns. That's changing. Since 2023, we've awarded £69,766 across the town through 23 grants, and Jess has been at the heart of it.

When she joined Open Doors Somerset, the charity had no permanent home. Since then, she's helped secure 6 grants for them and sparked wider investment in the community.

Read Jess's story and find out what's next for Crewkerne: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/stories/how-jess-wright-is-changing-somerset/

29/09/2026

Want to stay up to date with all our latest news and updates? ☘️

Our newsletters are packed with inspiring stories showing how local philanthropy is making a real difference across our communities.

You'll also find the latest funding updates, guidance on how to apply, and recent highlights. This month, we're reflecting on reaching our £40 million milestone, and the people and communities behind that figure.

Catch up here: https://mailchi.mp/somersetcf/news-and-updates-from-scf-13060127

Not subscribed yet? Sign up here: Subscribe - Somerset Community Foundation](https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/subscribe/

23/09/2026

Since we were founded in 2002, we have awarded more than £40 million to local groups and individuals across Somerset.

That impact can be felt in every corner of Somerset. With over 10,000 grants delivered, we have supported everything from small grassroots projects tackling local challenges to county-wide initiatives transforming communitites. They have funded work addressing isolation, mental health, community spaces, youth opportunities, rural services and more.

Read the full story: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/about/news/somerset-community-foundation-reaches-40-million-milestone-in-local-funding/

Read more about our impact: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/impact/

16/09/2026

From humble beginnings to a life filled with music and travel, Brian Vickery grew up in Somerset and now wants to ensure that future generations are given the same opportunities that changed his life.

Read his journey to becoming a fundholder here and what inspired him to give: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/stories/a-tailored-approach-to-giving-how-the-vickery-fund-is-bringing-communities-together-through-music/

11/09/2026

This Remember A Charity Week, we’re sharing the stories and thoughts of our legacy pledgers.

We know that many people would like to support small, local charities in Somerset through a gift in their Will. But with so many causes doing vital work, it can be difficult to know where your gift could make the greatest difference.

That’s where we can help.

When you leave a gift in your Will to SCF, you’re not choosing just one cause or one moment in time. You’re giving your community the flexibility to respond to where the need is greatest, now and in the future.

Our local knowledge and understanding of Somerset means we can direct your gift to the people, places and causes that need it most - helping your generosity reach the communities and issues that matter to you.

Download your free Gifts in Wills guide, request a copy in the post or view the guide online: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/giving/individuals/gift-in-wills/

Address

The Bath & West Showground
Shepton Mallet
BA46QN

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441749344949

Website

http://www.somersetcf.org.uk/

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