“By providing dedicated funding, we're helping groups cover essential running costs, support their volunteers and staff, and ensure they can continue making a real difference where it's needed most.”

Severn Trent is once again offering financial support to charities and not-for-profit organisations in Derbyshire through its Community Fund.

The latest Core Funding round will provide grants to help organisations across the Severn Trent region to cover essential day-to-day running costs, and continue delivering essential services in their communities. Applications close on Monday, 30 November, 2026.

Successful applicants can receive restricted grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 to support core costs for one year. Around 25 organisations across the region are expected to benefit from this round of funding.

Natalie Cunningham, Severn Trent Community Fund Manager, said: “Local charities and community groups play a vital role in bringing people together, supporting those in need and creating stronger communities. Yet many organisations are having to do more with less as financial pressures continue to grow.

“By providing dedicated funding, we're helping groups cover essential running costs, support their volunteers and staff, and ensure they can continue making a real difference where it's needed most.”

In Derbyshire, recent organisations supported through the Community Fund Core Funding scheme include Chesterfield Food Bank, Connected Perinatal Support CIC, East Midlands Blood Bikes Ltd and Hope City Furniture.

Core costs are the essential expenses needed to keep an organisation running. These can include staffing, management and administration, office costs such as rent and utilities, accountancy and audit services, fundraising, communications, and governance or compliance activities.

The funding is open to charities and not-for-profit organisations that provide vital services for local residents, particularly those supporting vulnerable people, and need financial assistance to sustain their work.

For more information about the Community Fund Core Funding programme, and how to apply, visit www.stwater.co.uk/communityfund.

Applications for New Project funding through the Community Fund remain open throughout the year. To find out more about Severn Trent’s payment support schemes, visit www.stwater.co.uk/help