GrantRadar

Derbyshire Dales CVS

Better Derbyshire Dales Fund

A small grants scheme for voluntary and community groups with an income of no more than £75,000 that are based in or work in the Derbyshire Dales. Derbyshire Dales CVS runs it for Derbyshire Dales District Council, Derbyshire County Council Public Health and Derbyshire Integrated Care Board. Groups can apply for up to £1,000 towards running costs or up to £3,000 for capital costs, in quarterly rounds: the next closes at 5pm on Thursday 5 November 2026, and the last of 2026-27 at 5pm on Thursday 28 January 2027.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £3,000
Deadline
85 days left
28 January
Effort
Light
short form, little evidence needed

Who can apply

  • Non-profit voluntary sector organisations and community groups based in and/or working in the Derbyshire Dales, with annual income or expenditure of no more than £75,000 in the last financial year; the fund is meant for smaller groups
  • The group must have a management committee, a bank account in its own name and a constitution or other governing document, and be able to show a need for financial help with its latest signed accounts (new groups: latest financial statement, and evidence that financial procedures are being put in place)
  • Community Interest Companies can apply if they have more than one director and the directors are unrelated
  • Parish councils may be the more appropriate applicant for projects such as community playgrounds or an annual village celebration
  • All applicants need relevant insurance and policies for the group or activity
  • No individuals
  • One application per organisation per round; priority goes to new applicants and those with a current and pressing need

What it funds

Organisations or specific projects that aim to develop or strengthen communities, or that support and strengthen people's health and well-being:

  • Revenue grants of up to £1,000 for running costs such as consumables, insurance, room hire, transport or sessional worker fees
  • Capital grants of up to £3,000 for fixed, one-time expenses such as changes to a building or outdoor space, or equipment
  • Health and well-being: mental health and wellbeing, financial inclusion, access including transport and digital exclusion, and healthy ageing
  • Community benefit: developing or regenerating local communities, reducing crime and increasing community safety, improving the local environment, and community activities or services for children, young people and families
  • Capital projects that improve the energy efficiency of venues, improve facilities to encourage further use (including access for all and compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act), emergency works to keep a venue running, security measures to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, equipment that helps a group deliver services, or environmental or built environment projects such as improving a playground or natural area

The fund is interested in less popular causes and work that supports disadvantaged and marginalised sections of the community. Examples include befriending, activities for isolated people, setting up a sports team or community sporting event, extending a lunch or social club, a health-related community event, a community garden, and youth activities. Transport costs are capped at £600.

What it will not fund

  • Retrospective costs: anything that has already taken place or been paid for
  • Applications from individuals
  • Groups with income or expenditure over £75,000 in their last financial year
  • Professional fees such as solicitors or accountants are rarely paid (discuss first)
  • Usually not a small contribution to a large project where the grant would not make a clear difference
  • Transport costs above £600

The panel looks less favourably on applications with no evidence of accurately estimated costs, or where the grant will not be spent within 12 months.

How to apply

  1. Read the 2026-27 guidelines and check eligibility (DDCVS can advise)
  2. Request an application form from Derbyshire Dales CVS by phoning 01629 812154 (ext. 1) or emailing enquiries@ddcvs.org.uk
  3. Send the completed form with attachments by email to enquiries@ddcvs.org.uk, or by post to Derbyshire Dales CVS, Agricultural Business Centre, Agricultural Way, Bakewell DE45 1AH, by 5pm on the round's closing date (5 November 2026 or 28 January 2027)
  4. A grants panel chaired by DDCVS staff, with Public Health and District Council representatives, considers the application
  5. If successful, sign a short funding agreement, spend the grant within 12 months and return an End of Grant Evaluation Form

The form and guidelines are available in large print or audio, and DDCVS staff can help complete the form. Failing to return an evaluation may mean repaying the grant and being barred from future applications.

Have ready

  • Application form
  • Constitution or other governing document
  • Latest signed accounts (or latest financial statement for a new group)
  • Evidence of insurance (or confirmation that another organisation is insuring the project)
  • Quotes for any item over £1,000

Quotes for any item strengthen the application.

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