Dorset Community Energy is a not-for-profit Community Benefit Society. Our goal is to increase the renewable energy capacity in Dorset and to benefit local communities, not to maximise profits. As such we reinvest our surpluses into local projects via our Community Fund.
So far we have:
- Invested approximately £45,000 into the Fund
- Supported over 40 community projects
The fund offers grants of up to £2000 to charities, organisations and community projects across Dorset and BCP areas that aim to:
- reduce carbon emissions,
- address fuel poverty,
- promote environmental resilience and
- reduce biodiversity loss.
The Community Fund is managed by the Wessex Reinvestment Trust.
Applications are considered in April and October each year.
Who can apply?
Community organisations, voluntary or self-help groups, charities or educational establishments operating within the geographical area of Dorset and BCP Councils.
- Your project must aim to reduce carbon emissions and/or could address some of the following issues:
- Energy efficiency
- Fuel poverty
- Environmental resilience
- Biodiversity loss
- Local food
- Sustainable transport
- Waste reduction
- The project work may aim to deliver some of the following secondary objectives:
- Addressing a specific community issue, concern or problem
- Educating people of all ages
- Providing vocational training and/or support for volunteers
- Raising awareness or offering practical support to reduce carbon emissions or fuel poverty eligibility
Note: carbon reduction does not just relate to energy projects. This might also include local food, sustainable transport or waste reduction activities.
How do I apply?
If you think you might be eligible for The Community Fund please complete the online application form.
Alternatively you can download the Community Fund Application Form and:
- Email a copy to secretary@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk or;
- Post it to Dorset Community Energy, Comforts Orchard, Corscombe, Dorchester DT2 0NX
You will be asked these five main questions:
- What is the grant for?
- What is the amount you are applying for?
- How does your application meet the criteria?
- What areas are you addressing?
- What impact do you expect?
Please refer to the eligibility criteria to help you with the application. Typically applications are in the range of £500 to £2000. DCE reserves the right to offer less than the funding applied for, in the event of a high number of eligible applications.
Any questions or issues with the application process?
Please contact: secretary@dorsetcommunityenergy.org.uk
The deadline for the next round of applications will be 30th September 2026