Community Capacity Fund launches

Community groups across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to apply for a share of more than £770,000 to support projects that help people stay active, connected and independent in their communities.

Applications have now opened for the Community Capacity Fund, administered by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, with £503,392.50 available in grants of between £5,000 and £20,000. Community organisations have four weeks to submit an application.

The funding is designed to support Oxfordshire County Council’s Oxfordshire Way approach, helping residents to live well in their own communities for as long as possible by backing local activities that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, increase physical activity and strengthen community support.

Over the past year, Oxfordshire Community Foundation funding, which helps build thriving communities through effective philanthropy, has supported 38 projects across the county. Hundreds of people have taken part in theatre and concerts, learned practical life skills such as cooking, accessed counselling, enjoyed gardening through improved accessibility, found warm spaces and meals, and joined physical activities including pickleball.

A second funding stream, worth £271,057.50, will also be available through Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action, OCVA, working with Community First Oxfordshire, CFO. These smaller awards of up to £5,000 will open on Tuesday 6 October and remain available until the funding has been allocated.

Last year, 86 groups benefited from the smaller awards, helping local organisations provide practical, accessible and inclusive activities close to where people live.

Councillor Rebekah Fletcher, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults, said:

 “Community groups are often the first to spot what people need and the first to offer practical, compassionate support.

“This funding gives organisations rooted in their communities the chance to grow their ideas, reach more residents and make everyday life better for people who may otherwise feel isolated or struggle to access support.

“Whether it is a meal, a warm welcome, a drama session, a gardening group or a chance to try something new, these activities can be a lifeline. They help people build confidence, make friends and get the right support at the right time.

“If you volunteer with or support a community group that helps people live well, stay independent and feel connected, I encourage you to apply.

“This funding is a great opportunity to bring good ideas to life and make a difference.”

The difference this funding can make can be seen at Chipping Norton Theatre, which has continued to provide drama sessions for neurodivergent adults and adults with a learning disability. The programme transformed the life of one participant who previously would not speak and now performs on stage. Another participant said: “I really enjoy coming to drama because it gives me the chance to meet my friends and it has helped me have more confidence in myself when performing.”

Witney Community Meal is another example of local action making a real difference. It provides meals every Thursday from High Street Methodist Church, helping to tackle food poverty and social isolation while also creating volunteering opportunities, including for neurodiverse people.

Apply now: Groups seeking between £5,000 and £20,000 should check the eligibility criteria and submit an expression of interest online at OCF by Monday 5 October.

Community groups looking to apply for up to £5,000, alongside additional support from OCVA and CFO, can find out more online. Organisations are encouraged to read the guidance carefully, check which funding stream best fits their project, and apply as soon as possible.

Notes for Editors

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action, OCVA, assists people to help others by supporting and empowering volunteers, networks, partnerships and non-profit organisations.

Community First Oxfordshire, CFO, is a community development charity which helps groups and individuals to identify issues that affect them and find their own solutions. It supports and advises volunteer-led actions in Oxfordshire, helping hundreds of volunteers fulfil many roles in their communities.

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