Devon Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £18 million distributed over 25 years (approximately £720,000 annually)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 10 weeks (subject to application volume)
• Grant Range: £100 - £70,000 (depending on programme)
• Geographic Focus: Devon, UK

Contact Details

Website: www.devoncf.com

Email: info@devoncf.com | grants@devoncf.com

Phone: 01884 235887

Address: The Factory, Leat Street, Tiverton EX16 5LL

Pre-Application Support: Monthly online Q&A drop-in sessions with grants team members available for small grants applicants

Overview

Devon Community Foundation was established in 1996 as Devon's largest independent grant funder for charities and community organizations. With an endowment of £8.4 million and managing over 50 funds, the Foundation has distributed over £18 million to community and social enterprises across Devon over 25 years. Created by and for local communities, the Foundation works alongside donors and funding partners to turn local giving and knowledge into grants that tackle inequality and strengthen communities. As one of 47 accredited UK community foundations, it operates on a place-based philanthropy model, inspiring giving from individuals, families, and businesses while making grants to grassroots organizations. The Foundation is committed to open and trusting grantmaking, having signed up to IVAR's Open and Trusting Grantmaking initiative, and recently appointed Mary Hancock as CEO in February 2025, bringing nearly 12 years of experience from Somerset Community Foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Grants: Up to £5,000

For new and/or small-scale organisations tackling inequalities and strengthening communities in Devon. Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis, though the programme has recently experienced high demand and limited funds. Capital purchases or building improvements up to £1,500 are eligible. Unrestricted grants available for registered charities/CIOs whose work is entirely dedicated to the Foundation's mission.

Large Grants: Amounts vary by fund

The Foundation uses an extensive database approach to identify and invite suitable organizations to apply for large grants. Organizations that submitted applications since January 1, 2023 remain on the database and are considered for all funding on a rolling basis.

Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm Community Fund: Up to £70,000

• Up to £2,000: Available throughout the year (rolling)
• £2,000-£30,000: Available quarterly
• Over £30,000 (up to £70,000): Available occasionally for large capital costs

Supports rural regeneration and sustainability projects.

Devonian Grants: Variable amounts

For individuals located in Devon to alleviate mobility issues related to disability or ill-health.

Specific Themed Funds: Various amounts

The Foundation manages multiple specific funds including those addressing food insecurity, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, and sexual violence.

Priority Areas

The Foundation focuses on three core priorities:

1. Economic Opportunities: Tackling economic inequalities, increasing educational opportunities, and improving living standards

1. Health and Wellbeing: Tackling health inequalities and increasing wellbeing

1. Environment: Supporting communities to transition to net zero, adapt to climate change, and protect and restore the environment

All applications are assessed against the extent to which they tackle inequalities and strengthen Devon's communities.

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations holding a current DCF grant for the same work
• Organizations with outstanding reporting on a DCF grant
• Projects promoting party political causes
• Projects that duplicate statutory provision (government-mandated services)
• Work outside Devon

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Governance and Leadership

CEO: Mary Hancock (appointed February 2025)

Previously Operations Director at Somerset Community Foundation for nearly 12 years, leading on policy, financial reporting, procurement, and human resources.

Board Chair: Dinah (returned to chair role following Mary's appointment)

The Foundation is a registered charity (No. 1057923) and company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (Company No. 03236918).

Leadership Philosophy: According to the board, the Foundation seeks leadership that “shares our commitment to strengthening communities and tackling inequalities, and our vision of a Devon that works for everyone, today and tomorrow.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Small Grants (up to £5,000):

1. Complete the eligibility checklist
2. Submit a single application form (audio files accepted as alternative to written applications)
3. Applications accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines (though specific funds may have their own deadlines)
4. Attend optional monthly online Q&A sessions with grants team

For Large Grants and New Applicants:

• Organizations that have not applied since January 1, 2023 must complete a “Getting to Know You” form
• After registration, organizations are added to the database and invited to apply when relevant funding becomes available
• Most large grants are distributed using the Foundation's database of organizations, with targeted invitations sent to suitable applicants

Decision Timeline

Small Grants: The Foundation aims to notify applicants within 10 weeks of receiving their application. However, the small team can process approximately 100 applications at a time, and timescales may extend if more applications are received over a two-week period.

Large Grants: Decision timelines vary by fund and are communicated when organizations are invited to apply.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, the Foundation makes “hundreds of grants annually” and maintains a database-driven approach to match funding opportunities with suitable organizations.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation operates an inclusive reapplication approach. Organizations that have submitted applications since January 1, 2023—whether successful or unsuccessful—remain on the database and are automatically considered for all relevant funding on a rolling basis. There are no stated restrictions or waiting periods for reapplication. This reflects the Foundation's commitment to transparent and open grantmaking practices.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Stated Priorities: “We want to hear in your own words: What is the issue you are aiming to address through your work, or opportunity that you have identified?”

Key Success Factors:

• Focus on inequalities: Applications are assessed against the extent to which they tackle inequalities and strengthen communities—this is central to every funding decision

• Grassroots credibility: The Foundation specifically aims to strengthen Devon's grassroots community and voluntary sector, with small grants targeting new and/or small-scale organizations

• Community voice: The Foundation values hearing from applicants in their own words and is open to organizations proposing activities they believe best address community issues

• Accessibility: Audio applications are accepted as an alternative to written submissions, demonstrating commitment to inclusive application processes

• Strategic alignment: Applications should demonstrate clear connection to one or more of the three core priorities: economic opportunities, health and wellbeing, or environment

Examples of Recently Funded Projects:

• The Woodland Presents CIC: £2,000 for Environmental Arts Therapy (EAT) sessions for individuals with severe, enduring, and complex mental health difficulties
• Significant Seams CIC: £4,900 for #patchworkdevon, reusing textile waste to support vulnerable people through workshops making patchwork tote bags from reclaimed fabric
• CASS+: PCC grant to extend support for vulnerable adults going through the criminal justice system
• The Pelican Project: Early creative workshops support

Common Themes in Funded Work: Projects that combine practical support with addressing root causes of inequality; innovative approaches to community challenges; work that builds community resilience and capacity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Database-driven approach: Since January 2023, DCF has shifted to a database model where previous applicants (successful or not) are automatically considered for all relevant funding—submit once and stay on their radar

• Prioritize inequality focus: Every application is assessed against how well it tackles inequalities and strengthens communities—make this connection explicit and central to your proposal

• Embrace accessibility: Take advantage of monthly Q&A sessions and consider audio applications if written formats are challenging—the Foundation values inclusivity

• Be patient and proactive: With a small team processing around 100 applications at a time, expect the full 10-week timeline and don't hesitate to register via the “Getting to Know You” form if you're a new applicant

• Think beyond one-off grants: Organizations can hold up to three small grants simultaneously (two restricted or one restricted plus one unrestricted), enabling multi-year relationships

• Demonstrate local knowledge: As Devon's community foundation, they value deep understanding of local needs and community-led solutions

• Align with strategic priorities: Clearly connect your work to economic opportunities, health and wellbeing, or environmental priorities to strengthen your application

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Garfield Weston Foundation
• MOONDANCE FOUNDATION
• THE EVESON TRUST
• THE SIR JAMES KNOTT TRUST
• THE ERNEST KLEINWORT CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE BASIL SAMUEL CHARITABLE TRUST
• Louis Nicholas Residuary Charitable Trust
• The Mary Kinross Charitable Trust
• THE WILLIAM ALLEN YOUNG CHARITABLE TRUST
• Awards for All
• National Lottery
• THE BIG GIVE TRUST
• THE STONE FAMILY FOUNDATION
• CRH CHARITABLE TRUST
• THE TOWN LANDS
• THE HYPATIA FOUNDATION
• CHURCH HOUSE
• THE TOWN HALL
• Young Charitable Trust
• NHS Employers

References

1. Devon Community Foundation official website - https://devoncf.com/
2. “About us - Devon Community Foundation” - https://devoncf.com/about-us/
3. “Grants - Devon Community Foundation” - https://devoncf.com/how-to-apply/
4. “Small Grants - Devon Community Foundation” - https://devoncf.com/grants/small-grants/
5. “Large Grants - Devon Community Foundation” - https://devoncf.com/grants/large-grants/
6. “Facts and figures - Devon Community Foundation” - https://devoncf.com/facts-and-figures/
7. “Introducing Our New CEO - Devon Community Foundation” - https://devoncf.com/news/introducing-our-new-ceo/
8. “Batsworthy Cross Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund” - https://devoncf.com/grants/batsworthy-cross-wind-farm-community-fund/
9. “A refreshed approach to grantmaking” - https://devoncf.com/latest-news/a-refreshed-approach-to-grantmaking/
10. UK Charity Commission Register - Charity Number 1057923 - https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1057923
11. “Devon Community Foundation - Devon Funding News” - https://www.devon.gov.uk/fundingnews/fund/devon-community-foundation/
12. Devon Community Foundation news articles including grant awards and funded project examples - https://devoncf.com/news/