Dorset Community Foundation has once again opened its BCP Food and Energy Support Fund, providing grants of up to £10,000 to local groups and charities.

The fund, which draws £225,000 from the government’s Household Support Fund and is backed by BCP Council, will help those impacted by the rising cost of living.

This is the sixth time it’s opened in three years after distributing more than £1 million.

Past grant recipients have put the money towards both perishable and non-perishable goods, equipment costs, staff and volunteers, venue hire, transport and admin.

Just this summer, Poole Waste Not Want Not used an £8,174 grant to stock its social supermarket, providing free food bags to vulnerable families and picnic bags to parents so they could take their children out in the summer holidays.

Chief executive Erika Sloper said the supermarket supports more than 650 households in the area.

“This grant has directly benefitted our members who struggle financially, ensuring they have access to nutritious food such as fresh meat, chilled items, butter, yogurts and fruit and vegetables – not forgetting hygiene and cleaning products.

“Our aim is to have a lasting impact on wellbeing and stability in families by offering healthy food choices at prices they can afford.”

Other recipients included Townsend Community Association and Recreate Dorset.

Grant Robson, chief executive of Dorset Community Foundation, said: “We’re thankful for the trust the council has placed in us again to ensure this money goes to the people and the projects who need it most.

“There’s so much incredible work going on in our communities to keep people of all ages and backgrounds warm, fed and feeling like they’re cared for and respected.

“This money will go a long way to ensuring that work continues.”

Cllr Sandra Moore, cabinet member for communities and partnerships at BCP Council, added: “We’re proud to be supporting Dorset Community Foundation’s BCP Food and Energy Support Fund, a valuable initiative which will continue to support our residents in navigating cost-of-living challenges.

“It is heartening to see the positive impact it has had on various community groups and charities, and we’re confident that this round of funding will continue to make a significant difference.

“By working together, we can ensure that everyone in our community has access to the resources they need to stay warm, nourished, and supported.”

Applications are open until midday on November 11. Grants must be spent between December 1 and March 31, 2025.

• To apply, visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org