Wessex Water Environment Fund
Forecasted
Wessex Water Environment Fund supports community groups with projects that reduce water use, improve sustainability and enhance biodiversity, involving local people in caring for the natural environment.
Funder: Dorset Community Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Pre-application support) | May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £2,000 for activities lasting up to 12 months
Summary: Supports charitable and community activities that improve local biodiversity, reduce water use and directly benefit the local environment.
Key Information: Applicants must be based and working in Dorset or Ringwood and have operated for at least 12 months.
Description
The Wessex Water Environment Fund supports community-led activities that restore, maintain or enhance the natural environment and involve local people in caring for it. Dorset Community Foundation delivers the fund locally, alongside Quartet, Somerset and Wiltshire Community Foundations across the South West. Projects must demonstrate at least one environmental outcome and address at least one priority: reducing water use, improving environmental sustainability or improving local biodiversity.
Environmental sustainability includes reducing waste, recycling, using reusable alternatives and consuming less energy and water. The emphasis is direct environmental impact, rather than activities primarily benefiting people’s mental health or wellbeing. Previous grants have supported wildlife ponds, litter picking, community tree planting, rainwater harvesting, community beehives, pollinating corridors and education that changes environmental behaviours.
