1
June,
2026
£332,230 has been awarded to 37 charitable organisations across South-East Dorset in the latest Spring 2026 funding round.
Talbot Village Trust, a Dorset-based grant-making charity, has awarded £332,230 in its latest Spring 2026 funding round to 37 charitable organisations. The awards form part of its Small Grants and Capital Grants Programmes.
The funding supports a broad range of projects aimed at strengthening community resilience and promoting inclusion across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Purbeck, and East Dorset. Beneficiaries include initiatives in health and social care, youth services, disability support, poverty relief, the creative arts, and wellbeing activities.
The Capital Grants Programme supports capital projects over £10,000 and is designed to fund meaningful, long-term investments in facilities, buildings, and equipment. One of the Capital Grants awarded was £75,000 to Shaftesbury towards the refurbishment of Talbot Manor, a care home for adults with complex health needs.
Emma Smith, Executive Director of Fundraising and Communications at Shaftesbury, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this transformational gift of £75,000 from Talbot Village Trust. Talbot Manor has been part of Shaftesbury’s history as a residential service for more than 40 years. This generous donation will enable us to complete renovations to transform it into a fully accessible home for people living with complex health needs. Talbot Manor will provide high-quality, person-centred care and support people to live a life that adds up. We are incredibly grateful to the Trust for their continued support and commitment to our work.”
A further £16,000 was awarded to Poole Waste Not Want Not towards the refit of their new, larger premises, including the creation of a fully equipped kitchen for the coffee shop and workshop activities. Erika Sloper, CEO, commented: “Talbot Village Trust truly shares our vision for a stronger, more resilient community, and their support comes at exactly the right moment. We have outgrown our current premises, and this capital funding will enable us to create a larger, more dignified space where we can offer more workshops, greater choice, more drop-ins, and private areas for those who need support most. This investment gives us the room to continue what we do well, but with the dignity, accessibility, and stability our community deserves. We’re excited to begin this next chapter and to continue strengthening the wraparound support that keeps families afloat. We look forward to sharing our journey with TVT as the new space comes to life.”
The Small Grants Programme offers grants of up to £5,000 to grassroots and small local organisations. Some of the Small Grant beneficiaries include:
The Absolute Music Trust – £3,640 towards core costs to deliver therapeutic music-making sessions for mental health patients.
Routes to Roots – £5,000 towards breakfast and lunch provision for Poole’s homeless community, as well as core costs.
Nigeria Community in Dorset (NCD) – £2,500 towards Roots and Bridges, a cultural play and connection programme for African children and young people.
Hengistbury Head Outdoors (HHO) – £3,000 towards materials and equipment for the Art Studio creative space to support inclusive arts, wellbeing and community activities as part of HHO’s developing land-based programme.
Cultural Purbeck CIC – £5,000 towards core costs to support the delivery of workshops, events, and projects engaging local communities across Purbeck.
CoCreate Dorset – £5,000 towards theatre workshops and online creative sessions to support mental health and wellbeing.
Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, Chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: “Talbot Village Trust is proud to continue supporting organisations that are making a real and lasting difference across South East Dorset. These awards reflect the dedication, creativity, and commitment of local charities, community groups, and the individuals who work tirelessly to support others. While the needs across our communities remain significant, we hope this funding will help strengthen organisations across a range of areas, including education, youth services, and wider charitable support. Our focus remains on helping build long-term resilience so these vital services can continue to thrive, and we are grateful to play a part in supporting their important work.”
Talbot Village Trust is currently welcoming applications for the Capital Grants Autumn 2026 Programme. The programme is currently open for applications, with a deadline of Sunday 28 June 2026 at 11:59pm and funding decisions expected by the end of November 2026.
Organisations interested in applying or learning more about the programme can visit the Talbot Village Trust Grants page. Early submissions are encouraged, and applicants are welcome to contact Talbot Village Trust with any questions or to seek further guidance ahead of the deadline.
