Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is delighted to share that this year’s Warm & Welcoming Spaces Grants have once again received an incredible response from across Derbyshire.
We’ve had well over 100 applications, with community groups requesting a total of over £275,000 in funding. With a total grant pot of £150,000, the demand clearly shows the huge level of need in our communities — and the passion that local groups have for keeping people safe, warm, and connected this winter.
These grants, funded by Derbyshire County Council, support voluntary and community organisations to open and maintain welcoming spaces during the colder months. They help cover practical costs such as heating, refreshments, and activities that bring people together — reducing loneliness, building resilience, and providing vital warmth and companionship.
We’re so inspired by the response from Derbyshire’s community and voluntary groups. Every application represents real care, commitment, and creativity in supporting local people. Although the fund is oversubscribed, we will do our very best to distribute the funding as fairly as possible, ensuring that support reaches where it’s needed most.
What happens next
All applications are now being reviewed by our independent Warm & Welcoming Spaces Grant Panel, which will consider every submission together. We hope to notify applicants of outcomes by mid-November.
Applicants who are unsuccessful this time will still receive feedback to help strengthen future bids.
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Derbyshire County Council for funding this important initiative and for recognising the vital role of the voluntary and community sector in supporting local residents through challenging times.
Finally, a huge thank you to every organisation that applied — your work makes an extraordinary difference. Together, we’re helping people help their community.
To learn more about the programme, visit dva.org.uk/warm-spaces-grants.