An extension to the St Dominick Community Shop with a grant from the Howton Solar Farm Fund

When the existing shop owner in St Dominick retired the community came together and set up a new shop.

Run by over 60 volunteers from the community the shop provides a mix of essential groceries and local produce as well as a weekly post office service. The shop has come to be a community hub where residents linger and chat. With over 2,000 customers a month it also means a much-reduced village carbon footprint.

The shop has been running since 2019 but with an additional grant from the Howton Solar Farm FundA sum of money made available for grant making, often with specific criteria/conditions. the community were able to purchase an additional unit and create a storeroom, additional shop space and install a volunteer toilet.

The new facilities have made things more comfortable for volunteers, improved the efficiency of the shop when deliveries come in, and enabled them to extend their offering. The new space has allowed them to add new lines such as fresh vegetables from a local grower.

The shop goes from strength to strength and is an excellent resource for the entire community. Volunteering opportunities are extensive helping to reduce social isolationLoneliness, lack of access to human interactions. and increase mental health and well-being and a sense of belonging.

About the fund

The Howton Solar Farm Community Fund supports not for profit community projectsA piece of work that delivers an output. in the areas of Pillaton, Landrake & St Erney, St Mellion, St Dominick and Saltash with grants of up to £5,000. 

Since 2013 the fund has awarded more than £325,000. CCF administers the fund on behalf of operator Lightsource, and a panelA group of people who review grant applications and decide which will receive funding. of local people meet twice a year to consider applications.

This is one of more than 12 renewable energy funds managed by Cornwall Community Foundation.

To learn more about St Dominick Community Shop visit: stdominickcommunityshop.co.uk

If you are a community group looking for funding, please view our available grants.

If you are looking to support the Cornwall Community Foundation with a donation, go to our online donation page.