Grants advice, fundraising guidance and support

We recognise the ongoing and lasting impact that Covid is having on communities and we will endeavour to support those groups working with the most affected communities. The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector have always been an invaluable part of Oxford and have shown an incredible response to the pandemic.

We've listened to feedback and renewed the way that we support the sector. We have launched the Oxford Community Impact Fund, which is one funding programme with three levels of grants available.

Developing and funding your ideas

The first step in seeking funding is to develop your idea from outline into a convincing case for funding, detailed budgets and planned outcomes. You might find the following links helpful for this process:

  • NCVO Know How has excellent online resources written in simple language which explains what groups should do before they think about applying for money
  • Groundwork provide a set of clear and helpful tips aimed specifically at community projects
  • The Ubele Initiative is a partner in the CCLORS programme, which offers emergency funding and organisational support to community-based organisations, including those which are ethnic minority-led and/or are working to support local ethnic minority communities
  • My Community is a great source of tools, tips and ideas to help with projects and organisation costs
  • The Resource Centre has pulled together some simple to follow, but nevertheless essential, advice on how to write a funding application
  • Fundraising Essentials contains a package of useful videos and resources, including downloadable guides for fundraisers, volunteers and trustees, and free training opportunities
  • Small Charities is a new joint initiative by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and National Lottery Community Fund to bring together fundraising guides, resources and training opportunities for small charities and community groups
  • Crowdfunder's Coaching and Support Hub offers guidance and support for crowdfunding projects
  • Charities Aid Foundation provide helpful tips and advice, and can also support with fundraising
  • IDPE have produced a fundraising toolkit for state schools

Evidencing the need for your project

Any funding application will be expected to show evidence of the local need. We recommend visiting the following sites to help you find useful data:

Sources of funding

There are many sources of funding available to apply to, not just ours. We recommend considering the following websites and platforms:

Staying up to date with what's going on

Sign up to various local newsletters to stay up to date about the latest news and opportunities:

Other routes to finding funding and support

Individuals and families

  • Turn2US can help you find support with Coronavirus and find out what support may be available to you through benefits, grants and other help
  • Contact your local advice centre for help and support
  • Family Fund has a helpful list of funding opportunities to support families

Business and social enterprise

  • eScalate can support Oxfordshire’s small and medium sized enterprises, including social enterprises, with growth strategies (up to March 2022)
  • ROBIN is a network of businesses and public sector organisations across Oxfordshire whose members support charities and community groups by sharing skills and resources

Networking and support for the community and voluntary sector

  • Charity Mentors provide experienced mentors who offer free, tailored, and confidential support to voluntary sector leaders over a 4-6 month period. They are a sounding board and a critical friend. Mentors also bring an outside perspective and help leaders to prioritise, to plan, and to formulate their strategic thinking. 
  • Join one of our Locality Learning meetings to share information about your group and learn about what's going on in your local area by connecting with our Locality Hubs
  • OCVA have a list of local networks and forums which can be a good way of finding out about support across the sector
  • Oxfordshire All In run a Community Support Group Leaders Facebook group

Volunteers

Applying for a grant and how decisions are made

Groups can apply to us for grant funding as long as they have:

  • a legal structure that is appropriate to the size and nature of the organisation, set out in a constitution or memorandum and articles of association that clearly outlines the aims and rules governing the organisation
  • a bank account

Each group awarded a grant from us will be expected to sign terms and conditions for the grant before any funding is released. An example of a potential condition might be to share skills or work with another community group.

Groups cannot apply for more than one grant for the same project or activity, however can apply for different projects or activities.

Activities we can fund

Grant funding from us can cover items of expenditure classed as revenue e.g. things like general running costs, training, volunteer expenses, room hire, publicity etc.

Guidance and advice 

If you need any advice or support in making an application you can contact Oxfordshire Community & Voluntary Action (OCVA) on 01865 251946 or by emailing at funding@ocva.org.uk.

Alternatively, contact us by emailing grants@oxford.gov.uk.

How decisions are made

All applications are reviewed by a grants panel, where eligibility is confirmed and the project is scored against the funding criteria, which may include:

  • Evidence of need and/or demand
  • Who the project is targeting
  • Meeting the priorities of the Council Strategy
  • Demonstrating financial need and seeking other funding
  • Value for money

Recommendations from the grants panel are approved by the Head of Community Services in line with the Council's constitution. All decisions are final and there is no right of appeal.

Feedback can be given on an individual basis. Please email grants@oxford.gov.uk.

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