1) What is the Community Chest?

The Community Chest is a small grants programme designed to support community-led creative health projects across North Somerset.

We are looking to fund ideas that use creativity, culture, connection and community activity to improve wellbeing. Projects should align with one or more of the following themes:

• Ageing Well & Dementia

• Work Well (Workforce Wellbeing)

• Grief & Bereavement

We welcome ideas of all shapes and sizes, especially those developed with and for local communities.

2) How much can I apply for?

You can apply for a grant of between £300 and £3,000.

Most awards are expected to be around £1,500, although applications across the full funding range will be considered.

3) What do the themes mean?

The themes are intended to inspire ideas, not restrict them. We know that people's lives do not fit neatly into categories, and many projects may support more than one theme.

Ageing Well & Dementia

Supporting people to stay connected, active and valued as they age, including people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Projects might:

• Reduce isolation and loneliness

• Build confidence and wellbeing

• Strengthen community connections

• Create opportunities for different generations to come together

Work Well (Workforce Wellbeing)

Supporting people to feel healthy, connected and supported in their working lives.

We use the term "work" broadly and recognise:

• Paid employment

• Volunteering

• Caring responsibilities

• People returning to work or exploring new opportunities

Grief & Bereavement

Creating safe, supportive spaces where people can explore grief, loss and life changes through creative and community-based activities.

This theme is not limited to bereavement and may include:

• Loneliness and isolation

• Changes in identity or circumstances

• Health-related loss

• Major life transitions

4) Does my project need to fit neatly into one theme?

No.

We actively encourage:

• Projects that span more than one theme

• Creative and innovative approaches

• Activities that bring different communities and generations together

For example:

• A children's arts project working alongside a care home

• A wellbeing group that incorporates support around grief and loss

• A creative volunteering programme that improves confidence and social connection

If your project supports creativity, wellbeing and meaningful connection, it is likely to be a good fit for the Community Chest.

5) When do I need to spend the funding by?

All funding must be spent by March 2027.

When planning your project, please ensure that all activity and expenditure can be completed within this timeframe.

You can apply directly to us here at VANS, or you can seek support from one of our trusted community anchor organisations below.

Application Deadline: 28th September 2026

Email applications to: info@vansmail.org.uk

Accessible Application Formats: You can answer these questions in whichever way works best for you.

●        Written application

●        Video submission

●        Voice note/audio recording

●        Presentation or slideshow

●        Photographs with descriptions

If you would like help developing your idea or completing your application, please contact:

Front Room Theatre: Adam at frontroomwsm@gmail.com

Growing at Grove Park: Natalie or Karen at growingatgrovepark@gmail.com

Power to Pill: Aileen at contact@wern.org.uk

Trigger: Hannah at hello@triggerstuff.co.uk

Weston Arts Space: Zara at hello@westonartspace.com

You can download the questions here.

Section 1: About Your Idea

1. In a few sentences tell us about your idea. What would you like to do?

2. In a few sentences tell us who your project is for. Who will take part or benefit from your idea?

3. In a few sentences tell us how your idea will help people feel more connected, supported or well. We are interested in the difference your project could make.

Section 2: Community Chest Themes

4. Which area(s) does your project connect to? Please select any that apply:

• Ageing Well / Dementia

• Work Well (workforce wellbeing)

• Grief & Bereavement

• More than one of these themes

Please note you do not need to fit neatly into one theme.

Section 3: Creativity & Community

5. What is the creative approach for your idea? Please select the category that best suits your idea. There is a more detailed breakdown below.

• Craft & Making

• Media & Digital Arts (including film, sound, photography)

• Performing Arts & Storytelling

• Visual Arts

• Writing & Literary Arts

• Other

6. In a few sentences tell us if local people have helped shape this idea, or how they will be involved. We want to support community-led ideas.

Section 4: Funding

7. How much funding are you asking for? (Community Chest grants are between £300 and £3,000).

8. Please select what you will be spending the funding on. This could include:

• Advertising & Promotion

• Educational Materials

• Equipment & Materials

• Facilitation Costs & Participation Support

• Fuel & Transport

• Materials & Supplies

• Project planning & Evaluation

• Project Resources

• Refreshments (for the Project)

• Translation and Interpretation Services

• Venue Hire

• Other (please specify)

Section 5: Final Question

9. Is there anything else you would like us to know? Tell us anything important that will help us understand your idea.