Wells groups can apply for up to £500 from council

By Laura Linham 21st Aug 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 21st Aug 2026

Community groups in Wells can apply for up to £500 towards local projects as the city's next grant funding round approaches.

Wells City Council has confirmed that its next Community Grants deadline will be in September 2026, with applications capped at £500 each. The council has not currently published a specific September closing date on its grants page, so groups considering an application are being advised to check the latest information before submitting.

The scheme is used to support organisations delivering projects, activities and services with a benefit to Wells residents. Applicants are asked to provide information about their organisation, what they plan to do, the total cost of the project and the amount of funding they are seeking.

Previous grants show just how broad that remit can be. In March, the Bishop's Palace received £190 towards a wheelchair-accessible bench, while Citizens Advice Somerset was awarded the maximum £500 to help train volunteers supporting Wells residents with Personal Independence Payment forms.

Orchard Vale Trust received £330 towards sports equipment for adults with learning disabilities, including people from Wells. The Youth Adventure Trust was awarded £480 for work linked to pupils at The Blue School, helping young people build confidence and resilience through outdoor activities.

Last September's awards included £500 each for Wells City Carnival, Wells Jazz and Blues Festival and Wells Storehouse. The money was used for projects ranging from event safety equipment to festival costs and improvements connected with the city's food bank.

The council's March finance meeting heard that demand for grants had exceeded the money available, with councillors agreeing that the funding process should be reviewed before the next round in September. Officers were asked to consider changes to the policy and ways of encouraging a wider range of local groups to apply.

That means £500 may not stretch to a new community centre or a fleet of minibuses, but previous awards show relatively modest sums can still get equipment bought, volunteers trained and local projects moving.