Dorset Council has announced that applications are now open for the latest round of the Capital Leverage Fund, which provides financial support to help community groups across the region improve their facilities. The council has made £155,000 available for the 2026/27 period to assist with a variety of projects, ranging from village hall renovations to new sports facilities.
Not-for-profit organisations based in the area with an annual turnover of less than £1 million are eligible to apply. This includes village halls, community centres, sports clubs, arts organisations, heritage groups, and town or parish councils. The fund offers grants between £1,000 and £25,000, which can cover up to 20% of a project’s total cost. Organisations are required to secure the remaining 80% of their funding from other sources before the council grant is released.
The funding is designed to support a wide range of capital projects, including the enhancement of community buildings, car parks, play areas, multi-use games areas, pitches, landscaping, and various climate change initiatives. According to Councillor Ryan Hope, the portfolio holder for customer, culture and community engagement, these grants are intended to help local groups improve the places where people meet, stay active, and take part in community life.
Past recipients have already seen the impact of this support. For example, the Portman Hall Trust in Shillingstone successfully used £2,300 from a previous round to refurbish its kitchen. In the most recent funding cycle, eight different projects shared more than £70,000 to help improve valued local spaces.
Applications for the current round will remain open until midnight on Sunday, 10 January 2027. The council will conduct assessments of the applications in September 2026 and again in January 2027. Further information on how to apply for the Capital Leverage Fund can be found on the council website.
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