Over three-quarters of a million pounds available to boost Oxfordshire’s community groups
Community groups across Oxfordshire can now apply for a share of £773,000 in funding to help residents live well and independently in their local areas.
Launching today, the 2025/26 community grants programme builds on the success of previous years and will once again be delivered in partnership with Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA), Community First Oxfordshire (CFO), and Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF).
Last year, 104 community projects across Oxfordshire received crucial funding.
Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Community groups play a vital role in supporting and connecting people. They are often the first to step in with practical, compassionate support when people need it most.
“This funding helps these groups to grow their impact and continue delivering the kind of activities that enable people to thrive close to home, whether that’s tackling loneliness, improving wellbeing, or helping people stay independent for longer.
“It’s a key part of our Oxfordshire Way approach, which puts prevention and community at the heart of adult social care.”
Larger Community Capacity Grants – £5,000 to £20,000
The first funding stream is the larger Community Capacity Grant, which welcomes applications from community groups seeking between £5,000 and £20,000 from a total pot of £503,000. Administered by OCF, this programme is aimed at more established groups looking to make a significant impact through their work.
This funding stream opens today, 12 September 2025.
Last year, 24 groups received funding through this stream, with OCF also securing an additional £84,000 from private donors to support a further seven community groups.
One of last year’s beneficiaries was Maymessy, an empowering cooking and wellness centre near Wantage.
Awarded £19,866, Maymessy has been working with local GP practices to deliver social prescribing activities for older widowed men, a group particularly vulnerable to loneliness.
Participants have learned to batch-cook fresh meals, grown their confidence in the kitchen, and, most importantly, built new connections that have enhanced their overall wellbeing.
Anna Richards, Maymessy Coordinator, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to Oxfordshire County Council and the Community Capacity Grants programme for supporting our work with older widowed men.
“This funding has enabled us to run meaningful cooking and wellness sessions that not only teach practical skills but also foster connection, confidence, and resilience. It’s been heartening to see participants form new friendships and rediscover joy in everyday routines.”
Connected Communities Fund – up to £5,000
The second funding stream is the Connected Communities Fund, managed by OCVA and CFO. It offers grants of up to £5,000 from a total fund of £270,000 and opens for applications on 16 September 2025.
Intended for grassroots groups, the fund is issued on a rolling basis with no closing date, designed to be quicker than a formal grant process. OCVA and CFO provide advice and support alongside the funding process.
Last year, Great Company Drama Group received £3,000 from the Connected Communities Fund to expand its drama sessions for adults aged 18+ who are neurodivergent or have learning disabilities.
Based at Chipping Norton Theatre, the group runs three ten-week terms annually, helping members build confidence, discover new talents and form lasting friendships. The funding has enabled 60 participants - including those previously on a waiting list - to join the sessions.
Vanessa Managhan, Take Part Director, said: “Our sessions help build confidence, spark friendships and bring lots of fun.
“Thanks to the Connected Communities funding, we’ve been able to open a second group to meet demand – we’re incredibly grateful to OCVA, CFO and Oxfordshire County Council for making it possible.”
Community groups may apply to only one of the two funding pots: either the Connected Communities Fund or the Community Capacity Grant. Applications sent to both funds will not be accepted. Please read the criteria and eligibility for each fund to see which best fits your project.
How to apply
Groups hoping for between £5,000 and £20,000 can apply online at OCF.
Community groups looking to apply for up to £5,000, alongside additional support from OCVA and CFO, can find more information online.
More details, including the specific criteria and tips for a successful application, can be found here.
More information
- Oxfordshire Community Foundation is a charity that builds thriving communities through effective philanthropy. According to Oxfordshire Community Foundation, “Local donors choose to work with OCF because we bring an in-depth understanding of the needs in the county and priority issues, alongside trusted relationships with our network of grassroots delivery charities and community groups. We champion this vibrant local charity sector as a crucial way to combat issues such as homelessness, educational inequality, and loneliness and isolation, awarding around £2 million in grants annually.”
- Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action helps people to help others by supporting and empowering volunteers, networks, partnerships and non-profit organisations, both big and small. They provide training, advice and support to help Oxfordshire’s diverse voluntary and community sector flourish.
- Community First Oxfordshire is a community development charity which helps groups and individuals to identify issues that affect them and find their own solutions. Community First Oxfordshire supports and advises volunteer-led actions in Oxfordshire, helping hundreds of volunteers fulfil many roles in their communities. It supports the principles of asset-based community development and believes that stronger, more sustainable communities are built using the skills and gifts that people already have.
Read more about Oxfordshire County Council’s Oxfordshire Way strategic vision on its webpages.
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