Community development is a key charitable objective for the Trust, which has considered hundreds of applications from community groups in towns and villages across the region. Typical applications seek financial support to improve amenities in village halls, community centres, at recreation grounds or in clubrooms or pavilions.

Community groups are usually run by hard-working volunteers who organise activities for the benefit of the wider community. In making an application to the Trust, community groups need to demonstrate the benefits their project is bringing to their community, and evidence of their wider efforts to raise funds.