Grassroots projects share £16,740 in latest round of community grants

Eleven local organisations have been awarded a share of £16,740 from Exeter City Council’s latest round of Community Grants, supporting projects that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, and celebrate the city’s creativity and diversity.

The grants, decided by the Exeter Community Grants Panel, help community groups, charities and social enterprises deliver projects that encourage participation, tackle inequalities and enhance life in the city. Awards of up to £2,500 were made to each successful applicant. 

Cllr Matthew Vizard, Lead Councillor for Communities and chair of the panel, said: “These grants continue to highlight the incredible variety of grassroots work happening across Exeter. From creative workshops and cultural festivals to practical support services, every project helps bring people together and build stronger, fairer communities.” 

Among those awarded funding: 

• Exeter Community Initiatives – £2,500 to continue supporting Exeter’s vibrant voluntary sector through training, mentoring and events that strengthen the city’s volunteer network
• Exeter Library – Music Making Hub – £2,492 for an inclusive music project for adults with learning disabilities, in partnership with local musicians Duo Tutti
• Café EX4 – £2,000 to sustain its donation-based community café at St David’s Church, offering affordable food, friendship and activities that tackle isolation
• Exeter Respect CIC – £2,000 towards the 2026 Exeter Respect Festival, the city’s flagship celebration of diversity, equality and human rights 
• Space Youth Services – £1,748 for a music project at the 100 Club in Countess Wear, helping young people express concerns about knife crime through songwriting and recording
• Animating Devon CIC – £1,000 for animation workshops introducing Exeter school pupils to creative skills and potential careers in the arts
• Exeter Equine Care Trust – £1,000 to create a safe, accessible space for community sessions with horses, improving wellbeing and confidence for participants
• Positive Light Projects – £1,000 to expand public access to the Community Darkroom on Sidwell Street, offering inclusive creative opportunities in analogue photography
• Exeter Hindu Cultural Centre – £1,000 towards the city’s Diwali 2025 celebration, bringing people together through food, dance and music 
• All Souls’ Day Exeter (Inclusive Exeter) – £500 for the city’s unique community-led remembrance festival, combining creativity, culture and reflection 
• Citizens Advice Exeter – £1,500 to run mobile advice roadshows reaching residents who face barriers to accessing support

Cllr Mollie Miller-Boam, Member Champion for Community Safety and Engagement, welcomed the latest grants. She said: “We’re fortunate that our city boasts a wealth of charities, groups and social enterprises which continue to strengthen our communities. 

“We were blown away by the strength of this round of grant applications and I’m so proud that as a council we continue to support this valuable grassroots work. From creating moments for connection and cultural celebrations to breaking down barriers to opportunity, I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact these wonderful projects and events will have on our residents across Exeter.” 

This was the second of three funding rounds in 2025–26. A total of £50,000 is available for community projects this year, with the next round opening on 12 December 2025. 

For details on how to apply visit exeter.gov.uk/grants