Take the time to read and understand the fund criteria, eligibility criteria and priorities before completing the application form. If having read the guidance you are still unsure, email us and we will be happy to discuss this further with you.


Who to contact:

  • Community and voluntary sector applicants (including play): communities@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 
  • Cultural applicants (arts, accredited museums, heritage, sports and physical activity): leisure@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

How to apply


Create an account

You need to register and create an account with us before you apply. If you’ve applied for a grant before you will still need to create a new account.

To create an account, click on the “Apply” button, open the application form and click ‘Create an account’. We'll ask for your name, email and to set a new password.

If you forget your password, you can reset it using the password reset button on the form.

Begin your application

The online application form is divided into 2 parts.

Part 1

Now that you have a unique login and account you can go to the application form and start completing section 1.

In part 1, you'll complete these sections: 

  • eligibility checklist
  • about you and your organisation
  • project details
  • finance

Complete all the questions in part 1, then click save and submit.

Once you've submitted part 1, you will get an email with a link to complete part 2 of the form. The link will go to the email address that you give in your application. Please check your SPAM/junk box.

Part 2

In part 2, you'll upload supporting documents and sign the declaration.

The supporting documents help us to assess your application. Stay logged in until you have uploaded all of your documentation, then click save and submit. Once you have submitted part 2, you'll get an email confirming that your application is complete along with a PDF copy of your application. 

You will not be able to return to the application form to edit or upload any other documents.

Make sure you:

  • read the guidance on which documents to upload before you start part 2
  • have all documents on your device ready to upload
  • provide the mandatory documents
  • don't try to upload files more than 3MB or any documents that we've not asked for

To reduce file size, you can use PDF’s or provide a Zip File. Do not email or send us documents directly as these will not be accepted without discussing them with us first.

Saving your data

You will be able to save your application while you're completing it. If you decide to leave the form without saving it, you will lose your data.

There is also a ‘timed out’ function on the form of 6 hours which starts each time you login. If you stay logged in for more than 6 hours and do not save, you may lose your data. Make sure you save it regularly.