Small Community Grants

Are you a group run by Deaf or hard of hearing people?

Do you need some extra money to support your group?

Do you need funds to help restart your group?

Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People (CfD) may be able to support you with our Small Community Grants

CfD can give grants to groups in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) and North Somerset. Grants can be used to:

  • Help with running costs.
  • Set up new activities.
  • Establish a new group.
  • Restart a group that may have closed or stopped activities.

Who can apply for a grant?

You must:

  • Be a group led by Deaf or hard of hearing people.
  • Have at least 6 people in your group.
    • If it is a new group, we will allow for smaller numbers.
  • Be a group for Deaf/hard of hearing people aged 16 years or older.

People who attend your group can live in Bristol or in the surrounding counties (e.g. South Gloucestershire, Bath and North-East Somerset (BANES), Wiltshire, North Somerset)

What can you use the money for?

Our grants can be used to fund:

  • Room hire.
  • Communication support such as BSL interpreters.
  • Equipment/items needed for particular activities, for example, ingredients for a cookery group or materials for an art group.

We will not normally fund refreshments or travel expenses to allow people to attend the group.  This could be considered on a case by case basis.

How much money can I ask for?

You can apply for up to £1,670.

Here are some examples: 

  • The Deaf Sewing Club received a grant, which they used to buy a sewing machine and materials, to enable the group to continue their amazing work.
  • Bristol Deaf 50+ group received a grant, which they used to cover the cost of their hall hire for three months and to pay an external speaker to come in and facilitate an information session
  • Little Hands received a grant, which they used to cover a First Aid Training Course for deaf parents as well as the cost of communication support.  

How do I find out more?

Get in touch with Mark Gill, our Community Development Officer. Mark is happy to meet with you and answer any questions.

Contact details here:

Email: ma**@cf*.uk

Text:  07734830440

Address: Centre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2QQ

Click here to download our grant information sheet.

Click here to download our poster.


What our clients say about us:

Graphic of two hands using sign language

…I was very satisfied with the service. The two staff were professional and easy to communicate with. They were able to explain everything clearly and quickly gave me the replacement equipment.

graphic of a speech bubble

Two exceptionally pleasant and helpful people – a pleasure to meet and my new doorbell is a great help. Thank you very much.