Somerset Community Foundation

26/08/2026

Yeovil Opportunity Group are a true example of how funding can change families' lives in Somerset.

George first arrived at YOG at two years old, with no recognisable words and yet to receive his autism diagnosis. In the two years since, YOG's team have provided a communication programme, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy – support that helped lead to his autism diagnosis in 2025, and a real surge in his confidence and communication.

This kind of support and guidance is vital for children with SEND needs in Somerset, and their families. It's something we're proud to have funded with over £68,000 since 2013.

Read George's story here: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/stories/finding-his-voice-how-yeovil-opportunity-group-is-helping-george-thrive/

19/08/2026

Do you receive grants from us? Here’s a quick reminder about emails relating to your grant.

Any information we send about your grant will come directly from an official Somerset Community Foundation email address. If you receive something you’re unsure about, please don’t click any links or open attachments until you’ve checked with us.

If something doesn’t seem right, get in touch with our team on [email protected] or 01749 344949 and we’ll be happy to confirm whether it’s genuinely from us.

Thank you for all the great work you continue to do in our communities.

11/08/2026

We're looking for groups to become Community Anchors as part of the Somerset Crisis and Resilience Alliance. You’ll provide a welcoming, accessible "front door" for people facing financial hardship, triage need, refer people to specialist support, and offer practical help shaped by what your community needs most.

Grants of £40,000 to £80,000 a year are available, with funding intended to run through to March 2029.

We're looking for one or two Anchors in each of Somerset's 12 Neighbourhood areas, so if this sounds like your group, we want to hear from you.

Submit your expression of interest by 5pm, Friday 4 September 2026: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/grants-funding/details/somerset-crisis-and-resilience-alliance/

Need support with your application? Contact our Programmes Team at [email protected] or 01749 344949.

What is the crisis and resilience alliance? The Somerset Crisis and Resilience Alliance is a partnership led by Citizens Advice Somerset. It brings together local organisations to provide joined-up support for people in financial crisis, and to help people and families build longer-term financial re...

10/08/2026

What makes a community somewhere people want to live? What helps us feel connected? And what needs to change?

The National Conversation is inviting people across the UK to share, in their own words, how they want to live well together.

Have your say by completing the survey here: https://www.national-conversation.ox.ac.uk/en/cf

06/08/2026

Rural isolation can have a huge impact on daily life.

In farming communities, people often put their own health last. GP surgeries can be hard to reach, and appointment times rarely fit around farm life.

Exmoor Rural Health Hub was set up in 2021 to change this. From health and wellbeing assessments at the local market to bespoke health rooms on site, the community now has a permanent resource to rely on.

Find out more about how the Stronger Communities Fund contributed to their growth - https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/stories/health-on-their-doorstep-how-the-stronger-communities-fund-is-supporting-exmoors-farming-community/?_gl=1*9r8tjs*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTYyMjA1NDE5Ni4xNzg2MDE1NjM5*_ga_GH4496G74W*czE3ODYwMTU2MzgkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODYwMTU2NTkkajM5JGwwJGgw

03/08/2026

What is social investment?

We've been supporting organisations with social investment for almost 10 years, but we know it can still feel unfamiliar - or even a little daunting.

That's why we're here to cut through the jargon and explain what social investment really is, when it can be useful, and whether it's the right option for your organisation.

In her blog, our Senior Programmes Manager, Amelia Thompson, shares her expertise: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/about/news/understanding-social-investment-for-somerset-charities/

29/07/2026

Since 2016, we've awarded over £30 million to over 4,000 groups – and 10 years of open data tells us one clear story: funding for Somerset's communities has grown fast.

Our Research and Insights Manager, Emily Berridge, explores how our funding has grown alongside our local knowledge and expertise, and how this has led to funding reaching exactly where it's needed most across Somerset.

Read her blog here: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/about/news/ten-years-of-open-data-over-30-million-awarded-to-somersets-communities/

21/07/2026

Ashwick and Oakhill Village Hall has been a pillar of the community for over 4 decades.

When the pandemic hit, electricity and gas bills doubled, putting the hall's future at risk. A £15,000 grant helped them install solar panels in July 2025. A year on, those panels have already saved over £1,000 in running costs.

Now, they can reinvest those savings into what matters most to people in Ashwick and Oakhill.

Read the full story here: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/stories/how-a-15000-grant-helped-ashwick-and-oakhill-village-hall-to-maintain-a-much-loved-community-space/

16/07/2026

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 looking at why small charities matter so much here in Somerset, celebrating a funding milestone with our partner Mulberry, and sharing how our grants for young carers are giving young people and their families the break they deserve.

Catch up here: https://mailchi.mp/somersetcf/news-and-updates-from-scf-13059676?e=[UNIQID

Not subscribed yet? Sign up here: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/subscribe/

10/07/2026

We're looking for 3 trustees to join our board 📣

We have 3 vacancies on our Board, and we'd love people who can bring fresh skills, insight and experience to help us continue to change the world on our doorstep.

We're keen to hear from anyone who feels they could contribute to our mission – especially people with experience in community development or working with small groups, private client advice, or sustainable futures.

You don't need previous trustee experience. We'll support you with induction and training, and you'll be joining a fantastic board.

If this sounds like you or someone you know, you can find out how to apply here: https://www.somersetcf.org.uk/about/careers/job/trustee-vacancies-x3/