Warm and welcoming spaces grant fund now open for application

Community groups across Erewash and the wider county of Derbyshire are being invited to apply for funding to set up ‘warm and welcoming spaces’ to help local residents this winter.

Derbyshire County Council is working with Derbyshire Voluntary Action to provide financial support to provide a warm welcome to residents around the county.

Grants of between £1,000 and £3,000 are available to support local charities, community groups or community venues to set up new warm hubs or contribute towards the costs of existing spaces.

The Warm and Welcoming Spaces aim to provide support for local people through the winter months – offering a place to meet new people, to enjoy a hot drink, get information on local services and take part in activities.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Dawn Abbott said: “The Warm and Welcoming Spaces initiative has provided an inclusive, welcoming place for 1000s of residents over the past few years.

“We are pleased to be able to continue to fund the project and would welcome applications from organisations across the county.”

This year the grants fund will again be administered by Derbyshire Voluntary Action on behalf of Derbyshire County Council.

Grants are available to eligible voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and community-led groups to set up Warm and Welcoming Spaces for local communities.

Grants could be spent on a variety of project costs including:

• Additional energy costs
• Furniture and improvement to facilities
• Additional staffing costs to cover extended hours
• Additional cleaning costs to ensure compliance with health protection guidance
• Activities and refreshments
• Additional activity costs

Jacqui Willis CEO of Derbyshire Voluntary Action said: “We’re proud to be trusted to know and speak for the VCSE in Derbyshire; and to ensure these grants and support go to the right places to really help make a difference in our communities.”

The Warm and Welcoming Spaces programme officially launches on 3rd November 2025.

The deadline for grant applications is 30th September 2025.

To apply for a grant visit dva.org.uk/warm-and-welcoming-spaces-grant

To find out more about Warm and Welcoming Spaces visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/warmspaces 

Alternatively you can email Samuel.Bostock @ Derbyshire.gov.uk or Kim @ DVA.org.uk