Mendip Hills Fund

06/08/2026

25/06/2026

It has been an exciting few weeks for the Fund that helps the Hills.

The Panel met recently to review applications for the last round. There were many interesting applications and a real variety of ideas which made for some lively discussions for our panel.

And on top of that, we have received our largest ever donation from the Butcombe Trail Ultra marathon. They work closely with us each year and we are grateful for their continued support.

More details in our news article: https://mendiphills-nl.org.uk/2026/06/25/ultramarathon-runners-make-largest-ever-donation-to-mendip-hills-fund/

Somerset Community Foundation

24/02/2026

Have you followed the Axbridge Heritage Trail? The trail was set up a few years ago with a contribution from the Mendip Hills Fund and it has been a great success, encouraging visitors and locals to engage with the area and learn about the history of the village too. Recently, a creative group translated the trail into a textile wall hanging and they have worked diligently on this over the last year. They applied to the Fund for a grant towards framing this piece of work and the Panel thought it was a lovely addition to the trail. If you want to take a look it is on display in St John the Baptist Church in Axbridge.

If you have a project like this, the Mendip Hills Fund is open for applications right now. You can apply for grants of up to £2,000 until 2nd March. Please take a look at our website for more information and get in touch to discuss your application.
https://mendiphills-nl.org.uk/caring/mendip-hills-fund/


Somerset Community Foundation

28/01/2026

Do you notice the signposts in your village? Somerset is one of the only counties that did not remove the old signs when new signage was introduced in the 1960s, and there are charming fingerpost signs all over the county. The signs in Butcombe were in need of a bit of TLC, so the Parish Council applied to the Fund for a grant to refresh them. These signs are a delightful feature of our area and it is wonderful to see that they are cared for and appreciated.

If you have a project like this, the Mendip Hills Fund is open for applications right now. You can apply for grants of up to £2,000 until 2nd March. Please take a look at our website for more information and get in touch to discuss your application.
https://mendiphills-nl.org.uk/caring/mendip-hills-fund/


Somerset Community Foundation

20/01/2026

Cheddar Visitor Information Centre made a successful application to the Mendip Hills Fund last year. They wanted funding for some energy efficient storage heaters to keep the volunteers and visitors warm. Grants for things like this can really make a big difference, and their organisation is run by volunteers who give their own time to create a warm welcome for visitors to the area. The Panel were delighted to award this grant.

If you have a project like this, the Mendip Hills Fund is open for applications right now. You can apply for grants of up to £2,000 until 2nd March. Please take a look at our website for more information and get in touch to discuss your application.

https://mendiphills-nl.org.uk/caring/mendip-hills-fund/


Cheddar Walking Somerset Community Foundation

15/01/2026

Last year we awarded a grant to Back to Nature, a women's group that encourages connection with nature and teaches new skills. This group is a brilliant opportunity for women to create a supportive community and learn about new topics. The panel loves to hear about groups like this one that are improving wellbeing and raising awareness of nature.

If you have a project like this, the Mendip Hills Fund is open for applications right now. You can apply for grants of up to £2,000 until 2nd March. Please take a look at our website for more information and get in touch to discuss your application.

https://mendiphills-nl.org.uk/caring/mendip-hills-fund/


Somerset Community Foundation

07/01/2026

We are excited to announce the Mendip Hills Fund is now open for applications. If you are involved with a local community project that could benefit from a grant of up to £2.000 then take a look at the Mendip Hills Fund. We can support a wide variety of projects, from wildlife to community centres, walking groups and wellbeing initiatives, and more.

More information and details about how to apply are on our website: https://mendiphills-nl.org.uk/2026/01/06/mendip-hills-fund-opens-for-community-and-environmental-grants-4/


Somerset Community Foundation

07/01/2026

Longstanding supporters of the Mendip Hills Fund! Such a great way to start your running season with The Big Cheese, and a cool new logo.

15 miles long Over 2000 feet of hill climbing Fell race category B Fully marked course Tea & Cake Included in entry Registration Registration opens 8:00am 12th April 2026 at Fairlands Middle School, Masons Way, Cheddar, Somerset BS27

08/10/2025

Over the summer some of our volunteers marshalled for the fantastic Great Weston Ride. This brilliant event brings together riders of all abilities and celebrates the community spirit of the area. What a brilliant day for all involved! Thank you to the organisers for a generous donation to the Mendip Hills Fund.



Image credit: Image Works 📸

10/06/2025

We were very pleased and proud to accept a £3000 cheque from the Town & Country Harriers after their 2025 Butcombe Trail Ultra. The running group have been the longest running contributors to the fund, donating an incredible £18,000 over the years from the proceeds of their tough endurance event across the Mendip Hills.

The Mendip Hills provides an amazing backdrop to lots of events so it's great when they help local environmental and social projects via the Mendip Hills Fund.



The Mendip Hills Fund is run in partnership with Somerset Community Foundation