The Dorchester Market Car Boot Fund is now open for applications until midnight Sunday 1st November 2026.  You can either download the application form or request a copy from enquiries@dorchester-tc.gov.uk 

The Dorchester Markets Joint Informal Panel holds Sunday car boot sales every week to raise money for local charities, community and voluntary organisations. The money raised is distributed every year through a grants panel. The panel is made up of councillors from both Dorset Council and Dorchester Town Council.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, applicants must:

  • Undertake that the monies will be used to benefit projects operating or supporting residents living within a 6.67 mile radius of the market (DT1 1QS).  This link will take you to a website where we've indicated the radius on a map.
  • Be a voluntary, non-profit-making group or charity operated with no undue restriction on membership.
  • Demonstrate good management, be constituted, have written policies, hold regular management committee meetings and be able to provide up to date accounts.
  • Have an appropriate safeguarding policy - if you are working with children and young people or vulnerable adults.
  • Demonstrate a need for their project that will result in a community benefit.

What we can fund

  • Running costs e.g. office costs, insurance.
  • Costs associated with out-of-pocket expenses for volunteers i.e. travel.
  • Capital expenditure such as equipment, improvements to buildings.
  • Contribution to setting up a new community activity or event.
  • Regular annual events – can apply but may not be a priority.

What we can’t fund

  • Ongoing staff costs (including salaries of permanent or fixed term staff).
  • Any expenditure for item or service that has already been ordered or paid for.
  • Anything that has already been funded by a different source.
  • Items or services that only benefit an individual.
  • Loan repayments, topping up of accounts or transferring money to another group/charity.
  • Activities or services that schools have a statutory responsibility to provide e.g.  curriculum based activities or any activity taking place during curriculum time. Projects submitted by PTAs/Friends of Schools must take place before or after school, during lunchtime or in the holidays.
  • Fundraising activities for your organisation or others.
  • Used vehicles/routine repairs and maintenance.
  • Parish and town councils.

Grants and funding

Grants we award:

  • Are from £300 up to £1,000.
  • Can be used to support running costs and equipment.
  • Should be spent within 12 months of the award.

Your application will be considered by a panel consisting of councillors from both Dorchester Town Council and Dorset Council. The panel have the discretion to award funding in full, in part or not at all. 

We may offer a grant in principle, which we will release when all other funding to start the project has been secured. If you are unable to complete this, we may ask for the money back.

Once the funding is approved and we have received your signed acceptance form, you will normally receive payment within 4 weeks by a BACS payment.

Once you have funding for your project, you must:

  • Spend the money as you said you would in your application.
  • Return any unspent funds.
  • Tell us if you change the project from what you described in your application.
  • Complete an end of grant report form to say how the money has been used.

Advice on governance and policies

Volunteer Centre Dorset can offer advice and support with your application if you need help with your governance or policies. Please see the Volunteer Centre Dorset website for more information.

Freedom of information

The details of your submitted application will be available for public inspection. If you are unsure what this means, contact us to discuss your concerns.

If you have any queries please contact enquiries@dorchester-tc.gov.uk .