Grants of up to £4,000 are available to voluntary groups and charities working to improve the lives of people in the Wessex Water region.
The Wessex Water Foundation Community Fund is part of the company’s mission to fund projects which bring people together to build stronger communities, and since 2020 it has provided grants of at least £500,000 a year regionwide.
The Community Fund is open for applications until Monday 23 October and is designed to fund work that supports people in financial difficulty or who lack access to services, takes place in areas of multiple deprivation or rural isolation and helps build stronger, more resilient communities.
It also funds projects helping people manage or avoid debt and provide education in money management and household budgeting skills. Additionally, the fund will raise awareness and take-up of utility affordability support – including Wessex Water schemes – among those who need it most.
The Wessex Water Foundation is run in partnership with the Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset and Quartet Community Foundations.
Among the recipients last year was Chippenham Community Eco Hub in Wiltshire, which was awarded £3,000 to open a ‘living room’ for people to visit to keep warm over the winter months.
Chair of trustees Sandie Webb said: “We had hot drinks and warm snacks as well as newspapers, board games and a television for people to keep occupied while they were here.
“The grant was fantastic because it meant we could operate for six months without having to charge anyone, and it became a lovely welcoming place for people who really needed it.”
Kirsty Scarlett, Wessex Water’s head of community engagement, said: “This fund will enable us to continue investing in strengthening communities and supporting people who need it most.
“Part of this will involve continued funding for local groups, supporting debt advice organisations and charities dealing with those affected by low income, mental and physical health issues, hunger, housing problems and unemployment.
“We hope to support a wide range of groups who make a real difference for people in their local area.”
To find out more about eligibility and how to apply visit wessexwater.co.uk/funding
