Cornwall groups could share £150,000 from Duchy Health Charity

The football club that is short of volunteers. The village hall with a coffee morning nobody under 70 knows about. The lunch group that could do with a minibus. If your group spends its time bringing people together, there is a new pot of money with your name on it, and the first step is a short form.

Duchy Health Charity, which supports non-profit organisations that contribute to healthy lives across Cornwall, has opened its new Building Community Fund. It is inviting Expressions of Interest now.

What the fund is for

The aim is to support charities and grassroots organisations that are helping people build stronger connections, reduce isolation and create more connected communities.

The charity is taking a broad view of what a community is. It might be a place, such as people living in the same town or village. It might be an interest, such as a sports club or hobby group. It can also be faith, or shared experiences, identities or backgrounds.

Community groups, local charities, CICs and other grassroots organisations can all apply, as long as they are working to build a resilient community within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The charity describes that as one where people know where to turn when in need and do not feel lonely or isolated.

How much is on offer

There is £150,000 to be awarded in total. Legally constituted groups can apply for grants of up to £25,000, and informally constituted groups can apply for up to £10,000. Projects can run for up to 24 months.

The projects it wants to hear about

Emma Bland, Chair of Duchy Health Charity, said: “At the Duchy Health Charity, we know that strong communities play a vital role in supporting health, wellbeing and resilience. So we’re delighted to launch our new Building Community Fund, under our new Community Resilience strategic programme. Together, we can help build stronger, healthier and more connected communities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Emma said the charity is inviting applications for projects that:

• create new, resilient communities
• bring new members into existing communities
• build links between different communities to increase inclusion and strengthen connections
• reduce loneliness and social isolation
• help people feel more connected, supported and able to access help when needed

“We are particularly interested in projects that engage people who may be at greater risk of isolation or exclusion and initiatives that bring different generations together,” she added.

The charity says that could include helping people feel more prepared during severe weather events, or creating chances for neighbours to support one another in times of need. Projects that widen participation and strengthen community resilience are also of interest. Whatever the idea, every project funded must deliver benefits to people living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The first of several

Building Community is the first in a series of funding opportunities under the charity’s new Community Resilience focus.

How to apply

The process starts with an Expression of Interest, which must arrive by midnight on Sunday 22 November. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application in December, and grants are expected to be awarded in April 2027.

Full guidance and the Expression of Interest form are on the Duchy Health Charity website.

📷Emma Bland, Chair of Duchy Health Charity