The Duchy Health Charity, which supports non-profit organisations that contribute to healthy lives across Cornwall, is inviting Expressions of Interest to its newly opened Building Community Fund.
The Fund aims to support charities and grassroots organisations that are helping people build stronger connections, reduce isolation and create more connected communities.
Communities can take many forms, including: place – such as people living in the same town or village; interest – such as sports clubs or hobby groups; faith; and shared experiences, identities or backgrounds.
The Fund welcomes applications from community groups, local charities, CICs and other grassroots organisations working to build a resilient community within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – one where people know where to turn when in need and do not feel lonely or isolated.
Emma Bland, Chair of the Duchy Health Charity, explains:
“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 continued:
“We’re 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; or 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.”
With £150,000 in total to be awarded, legally constituted groups may apply for grants of up to £25,000, or informally constituted groups may apply for up to £10,000, and projects can run for up to 24 months
The Duchy Health Charity is interested in supporting initiatives that build supportive networks and strengthen a sense of belonging – this could include helping people feel more prepared during severe weather events, or creating opportunities for neighbours and community members to support one another in times of need.
The Fund is particularly interested in multigenerational initiatives, projects that engage people at greater risk of loneliness or social isolation, or initiatives that widen participation and strengthen community resilience; importantly, all projects funded through this programme must deliver benefits to people living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The Duchy Health Charity’s ‘Building Community’ is the first in a series of funding opportunities that will support the organisation’s new Community Resilience strategic focus.
The simple application process starts with an Expression of Interest that must be received by midnight, 22 November 2026; successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application in December, with grants expected to be awarded in April 2027.
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