Helping Derbyshire communities stay warm, connected and supported this winter.
Derbyshire Voluntary Action (DVA) is delighted to announce the return of the Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grants, with increased funding available to help community organisations support local people through the colder months.
Funded by Derbyshire County Council and administered by DVA, the programme supports voluntary and community organisations across Derbyshire to create and maintain free, warm and welcoming places where people can spend time, connect with others and access support.
This year, organisations can apply for grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000, recognising the important role community spaces play in supporting residents throughout winter.
More Than Somewhere Warm
For many people, winter can bring additional challenges. Rising household costs, difficulties heating homes and increased isolation can all affect physical and mental wellbeing.
Warm and Welcoming Spaces offer more than a place to escape the cold.
They provide somewhere to enjoy a hot drink, meet new people, take part in activities or simply spend time in a friendly environment.
Across Derbyshire, community organisations have shown how these spaces can become important sources of connection, friendship and support.
From community centres and village halls to local charities and neighbourhood groups, Warm and Welcoming Spaces help ensure people have somewhere they can turn during the winter months.
Increased Funding for 2026/27
This year’s programme offers three levels of funding, recognising that organisations provide different types of support depending on their communities, facilities and available resources.
Small Grants: £1,000–£1,999
Designed for organisations offering regular warm and welcoming spaces, with basic refreshments and opportunities for social interaction.
These grants can help smaller community groups meet the practical costs of providing a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment.
Medium Grants: £2,000–£3,499
Medium grants are suitable for organisations looking to build upon their existing Warm and Welcoming Space provision by increasing access, developing activities or supporting additional residents.
Larger Grants: £3.500–£5,000
Designed for organisations offering a more extensive Warm and Welcoming Space provision, including longer opening hours, additional activities or services, and greater opportunities for community engagement.
The amount requested should reflect the scale of the proposed provision, including expected attendance, opening hours and the activities being delivered.
What Can the Funding Support?
Grants can contribute towards the additional costs of creating or improving a Warm and Welcoming Space, including:
- Heating and energy costs.
- Furniture and improvements to facilities.
- Additional staffing costs to support extended opening hours.
- Cleaning and other practical running costs.
- Activities and refreshments that encourage people to come together.
We particularly welcome applications that demonstrate how organisations will create inclusive, accessible environments and encourage meaningful social connection.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to eligible voluntary and community organisations and community-led groups across Derbyshire, excluding Derby City.
Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements and commit to the Derbyshire Warm and Welcoming Spaces Pledge, ensuring that their venues provide a free, inclusive and non-judgemental environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Whether your organisation has previously delivered a Warm and Welcoming Space or is considering offering one for the first time, we encourage you to explore the funding available.
Apply Now
Applications for the 2026/27 Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grants are now open.
With grants of up to £5,000 available, this is an opportunity for Derbyshire’s community organisations to build on the important work they already do and help more people feel supported this winter.
Find out more about the funding, read the eligibility guidance and apply through the DVA website.
https://dva.org.uk/warm-spaces-grants/
For questions about the programme, contact DVA’s Grants Team at grants@dva.org.uk.
Together, we can help make Derbyshire’s communities warmer, healthier and more connected this winter.
