Dorset Council has opened its Community Impact fund to back community projects that help improve the lives of local people.

There is a total of £75,000 available to help community organisations and charities, with a turnover of less than £500,000, deliver services that improve the lives and well-being of people in the Dorset Council area.

Local community groups can apply for grants of up to £6,000. To make sure the fund reaches all parts of Dorset’s communities, applications for smaller amounts (up to £1,000), via the Micro grants pot are also welcome, says the council.

Projects supported will target those whose needs are greatest and will support the council’s ambition of reducing demand for its services by connecting people to the right help, support and early intervention to improve resident’s lives.

Councillor Spencer Flower, Dorset Council leader, said: ‘We want to support community projects that can demonstrate how they support the council’s top priorities for local people.

‘The important element is that the projects must be resident-driven with evidence of the benefits for people and the contribution they will make to helping improve the lives of people in the Dorset Council area.’

This round of the impact fund, including the main and micro grants, will close midnight Sunday 10 November 2019.

For more information and to apply visit:  www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/your-community/support-for-voluntary-and-community-organisations/funding/dorset-community-impact-fund.aspx