Independent family-owned brewer, Hall & Woodhouse (H&W), has launched its 2025 Community Chest Awards. Applications are now open for charitable organisations across the south to receive support from H&W’s £60,000 fund.

Every year, H&W awards between £300 and £3,000 to more than 20 local charities across its trading area in the south of England. Grants can be used to support youth work and activities; local arts and culture initiatives; sports and social clubs; health and social care; the elderly and people with disabilities; and environmental and conservation work.

Entrants have until Sunday, July 13 2025 to submit their grant applications. Funds can be used towards equipment and furniture, training, transport, professional assistance, specific project resources, or operational costs.

Anthony Woodhouse, Chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, said: “Our Community Chest began 24 years ago as a local initiative to give back to our Dorset heartland communities. Today, we remain committed to the Chest and have expanded our reach to support charities from Devon to Sussex and from Bristol to Twickenham.

“We’re looking forward to another thought-provoking year, learning all about the incredible people that devote so much time, love, and care into making a difference. This year, we will award our 1,000th charity with a grant, and our donations will take our Community Chest donation total even closer to the £1million mark.”

The Hall & Woodhouse Community Chest receives invaluable advice and knowledge from the Dorset & Sussex Community Foundations, ensuring every pound that is donated makes a difference.

Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in November 2025, with an awards ceremony held in January 2026. This year’s judging panel consists of Hall & Woodhouse team members and family, alongside local heads of business, and the Dorset and Sussex Community Foundations.

The application form can be downloaded from www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/community-chest and emailed to communitychest@hall-woodhouse.co.uk.

The H&W Community Chest has awarded over £880,000 to more than 980 charities since 2002 and is part of H&W’s wider charitable activities, which saw it donate and raise over £800,000 to local good causes in 2024 alone. Visit www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk for more information.