Supporting Communities

Dartmoor has a strong culture of self help, with a vast array of community groups and social enterprises working to ensure that Dartmoor communities continue to thrive.

We work with them by offering practical support and advice as well as signposting to other organisations that may also be able to help.  If you are a social enterprise you may also find the information on our business support page helpful. 

If you would like to discuss a community project please contact Jo Rumble, Communities Officer (jrumble@dartmoor.gov.uk).

Support

There is a Community and Voluntary Service (CVS) in each of our District Council areas (West Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge and Mid Devon) supporting local charities, community groups and social enterprises to build stronger communities. They offer advice on organisational structure, business planning, funding and bid writing amongst other things.

In addition, Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA) offers up to 4.5hr of free direct support from trained advisors to groups.    

Devon Communities Together (DCT) is an independent charity dedicated to helping communities help themselves. It provides advice, support and training to community groups & enterprises.

Funding

Grant funding can come from a wide range of sources and it can be difficult to keep track of the priorities and programmes of each funder.  There are services available that can help such as:  

Funding News update produced by Devon County Council.  

Funding Central, a national searchable funding database which is free to use for small non-profit organisations.  

Devon based GRIN which provides targeted funding advice and bid writing support as well as the opportunity to subscribe to its funding email alert service.  

The national network Locality offers support to community organisations through peer learning, specialist advice,  resources and access to funding. 

You could try Lottery funding through Awards for All, the Devon Community Foundation or the locality funds from your Devon County Councillor for small grants.

You may find some of the information and links on our Finding your Evidence page helpful in preparing funding bids.