Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grant 2026/27
Helping Derbyshire communities stay warm, connected and supported this winter.
Derbyshire Voluntary Action is delighted to reopen the Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grant Programme for winter 2026/27, funded by Derbyshire County Council.
Grants of £1,000 to £5,000 are available to support voluntary and community organisations across Derbyshire to create or improve free, warm and welcoming spaces for local residents during the colder months.
Whether you’re providing a warm place to enjoy a cuppa and some company or developing a wider programme of activities and support, this funding can help your organisation make a difference in your community.
Applications open: 21 September 2026
Deadline: 19 October 2026
- Apply by completing the online application
- Download the guidance notes HERE to ensure your project is eligible.
- A PDF version of the application form to download can be found HERE
- If you require a paper copy or any other assistance, contact Kim Gosling at grants@dva.org.uk /07546 023161
These grants will be for a minimum of £1000 and maximum of £5000
Derbyshire County Council recognises that many residents face challenges in keeping their homes warm during the winter months, with potential consequences for their physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections.
The Derbyshire Warm and Welcoming Spaces initiative helps local organisations provide safe, inclusive and comfortable places where people can spend time, connect with others and access support.
A Warm and Welcoming Space is more than somewhere to keep warm. It can provide opportunities for friendship, activities, community connection and access to services that help people navigate challenges in their everyday lives.
Through this grant programme, Derbyshire Voluntary Action supports local organisations to develop spaces that respond to the needs of their communities.
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Who can apply?
We welcome applications from voluntary and community organisations and community-led groups operating within Derbyshire.
All applicants must be formally constituted and able to meet the requirements of the Derbyshire Warm and Welcoming Spaces Pledge.
A formally constituted organisation must have:
A bank account with at least two independent signatories.
A governing document or list of governing members.
An established purpose and set of rules.
Successful applicants must also have appropriate insurance in place for their activities.
Please note: This programme cannot support projects or activities taking place within Derby City.
How Much Funding Can You Apply For?
NEW FOR 2026/27: Grants of up to £5,000 are now available.
For winter 2026/27, the maximum grant available has increased to £5,000, allowing organisations to apply for additional funding to expand their provision and offer greater support to Derbyshire residents.
There are three funding levels available, depending on the scale of your proposed Warm and Welcoming Space and the support you intend to provide.
Applicants should consider their venue capacity, expected attendance, opening hours, planned activities and the needs of their local community when deciding how much funding to request.
Supporting essential Warm and Welcoming Spaces in local communities.
Small grants are suitable for organisations providing a regular, accessible and welcoming space where residents can stay warm and connect with others throughout the winter.
Organisations applying for this level of funding should be able to demonstrate:
- A regular warm and welcoming space during the winter period.
- Basic refreshments and opportunities for social interaction.
- Signposting to local support services where appropriate.
- A clear understanding of local need.
- A safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
These grants are designed to support the essential costs of providing a warm, friendly and accessible community space.
Helping organisations expand their provision and reach more people.
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.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Increased opening hours, frequency of sessions or capacity.
- Additional activities that support wellbeing, reduce isolation or strengthen social connections.
- Evidence of local partnerships and community engagement.
- Some access to wider support services or referral opportunities.
- Plans to reach larger numbers of residents or priority groups.
These grants can help organisations provide a more substantial programme of activities and support throughout the winter.
Supporting enhanced community provision and wider access to services.
Large grants are intended for organisations that can demonstrate a significantly enhanced Warm and Welcoming Space offer, delivering greater community impact and helping residents access a wider range of support.
Applications at this level should demonstrate:
- Extended opening hours, including evenings and weekends where there is local demand.
- Higher anticipated visitor numbers and community reach.
- A wider programme of activities and support beyond the provision of a warm space.
- Active partnership working with local organisations and services.
- Clear referral pathways into additional support services.
- Evidence that the venue is embedded within wider community support arrangements and contributes to longer-term community resilience.
Additional support services could include:
- Welfare advice and benefits support.
- Debt and financial advice.
- Housing and employment support.
- Health and wellbeing services.
- Food support.
- Social prescribing.
- Family support.
Important information for applicants requesting £3,500–£5,000
Applications requesting the highest level of funding must clearly demonstrate how the additional investment will deliver a greater level of provision and community benefit.
This should include evidence of increased opening hours, higher anticipated visitor numbers, stronger partnership working and improved access to wider support services.
Applicants should explain why the higher level of funding is required and how it will deliver additional benefits for Derbyshire residents.
from start to finish
Before you apply:
- Please read through the Warm and Welcoming Spaces grant funding supporting information. This will help you to answer each question appropriately.
- Please check that your organisation can meet the Derbyshire Warm and Welcoming Space pledges.
This programme is unable to support projects or activities that are taking place in Derby City
In addition to providing details about your group you will also need to supply the dates and times your Warm Space will be open and a full breakdown of the costs.
Please ensure all questions are fully answered, as incomplete applications may result in delays.
Closing Date: 19 October 2026
For assistance, contact Kim Gosling at grants@dva.org.uk / 07546 023161.
Eligibility criteria
Funding is available to voluntary and community organisations that are formally
constituted and sign up to the Warm Spaces pledge. All applicant groups/organisations must be formally constituted. Formally constituted means you must have a bank account with at least 2 independent signatories, a governing document or list of governing members, a purpose, and a set of rules. All successful applicant groups/ organisations must have the appropriate insurance in place for their activities.
All organisations applying for funding must be able to fulfil the Derbyshire Warm and Welcoming Spaces Pledge.
Your Warm and Welcoming Space must:
- Provide an inclusive, non-judgemental environment where everyone is treated equally, with dignity and respect.
- Be heated, welcoming and free to access, with no hidden costs for visitors.
- Provide appropriate seating and, where possible, basic refreshments.
- Follow appropriate food hygiene procedures.
- Have safeguarding and fire safety policies in place.
- Register the venue on the national Warm Welcome website so residents can find their nearest space.
- Aim to operate throughout the winter months.
Organisations are encouraged to provide Wi-Fi, power points and additional support where available.
Grants are available to help voluntary and community organisations create or improve Warm and Welcoming Spaces for local residents.
Funding can support a range of project costs, including:
- Additional heating and energy costs.
- Furniture and improvements to facilities.
- Additional staffing costs to support extended opening hours.
- Additional cleaning costs.
- Activities and refreshments.
- Additional costs associated with delivering community activities.
The amount requested should reflect the scale of your proposed provision and the anticipated benefits for your community.
Applicants will need to provide a breakdown of their proposed costs as part of the application process.
Applications for the Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grants 2026/27 are now open.
Before applying, please read the grant guidance and ensure your organisation meets the eligibility criteria and can fulfil the Warm and Welcoming Spaces Pledge.
You will need to provide information about:
- Your organisation and the community you support.
- The location of your Warm and Welcoming Space.
- Your proposed opening days, times and dates.
- Your venue capacity and anticipated visitor numbers.
- Planned activities and additional support.
- The amount of funding requested and a breakdown of costs.
If you are applying for a Medium or Large Grant, please ensure your application demonstrates the additional provision and community benefit associated with your requested funding level.
Application deadline: Monday 19 October 2026
Need help with your application?
If you have any questions about the grant programme, eligibility or application process, please contact:
Kim Gosling
Email: grants@dva.org.uk
Project Approval process and selection criteria:
- Application form and guidelines issued to organisation
- Application completed and returned by organisation
- Applications will be reviewed by the panel after the closing date against the eligibility criteria as stated above
- Announcement of award of grant to successful bidder
- Warm Spaces provision to commence
Conditions of grant funding:
- The grant is available to support a Warm and Welcoming Space provision between 1st November 2026 – 28th February 2027 – Application deadline is
19 October 2026, but the grant can support delivery until end of February. - Funding must be used for the specific purpose for which it is granted.
- Funding will be paid in full in advance.
- Derbyshire Voluntary Action retains the right to reclaim, at any time, all or part of the awarded money if it is not spent for the purpose it was awarded.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Successful organizations awarded the Warm and Welcoming Spaces grant funding must submit evaluation information, as outlined in the application form, to Derbyshire Voluntary Action.
