Discovery, the organisation which supports people with learning disabilities and autism across Somerset, has invited groups across the county to submit applications for grants from the organisation's Community Fund, which reopens on 2 November 2021.

The Discovery Community Fund provides grants to support improvements in the health and independence of people with learning disabilities and/or autism across Somerset. This new round of funding will focus on supporting organisations to recover, innovate, and restart services in the wake of the pandemic.

Applications through Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), who are administering the Fund, are welcomed for grants ranging from £500 to £50,000. Invitations are particularly encouraged from groups which tackle health inequalities, combat hate crime, and support people into employment.

Projects to have successfully applied for funding in the past have been as diverse as Orchard Vale Trust's online safety courses, Calvert Trust Exmoor's adventure holidays, and PodPlus Frome's expanded youth social club.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 17 December 2021.

More information on the Discovery Community Fund, including guidance on how to apply for funding, is available on SCF's website.

Helen Orford, Managing Director of Discovery, said: "We are delighted to reopen the Community Fund for a new round of funding, as it means that we can continue to support organisations across Somerset which share our commitment to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people across the county. If you are involved in supporting people to live a great life, then we would strongly encourage you to apply."

Andy Ridgewell, Senior Programmes Manager at Somerset Community Foundation added, "If you are involved with a group or organisation which supports people with learning disabilities and autism in Somerset, we would love to hear from you. Particularly if you have a project that will strengthen the transition to young adulthood, tackle health inequalities, support people into employment, remove barriers to community spaces, combat hate crime or put people with learning disabilities and autistic people in the lead.

"Any community group or charitable organisation wishing to apply for funding should visit the SCF website where they can find guidance on how to make an application HERE: or call us on 01749 344949."