Apply for the Rough Sleeping and Homelessness Initiatives Oxford City Council Preventing Homelessness Budget Grant Scheme 2026-27
As part of Oxford City Council’s commitment to deliver the priorities set out in Oxford’s Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-28 we are inviting organisations external to the Council to apply for grant funding to support initiatives that prevent rough sleeping and support those experiencing rough sleeping in the city to move off the streets and find sustainable accommodation.
- This fund is intended to support impactful day centre provision/activities that provide assistance to vulnerable single individuals who are experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping or who are at risk of homelessness in Oxford.
- The fund is intended to support the aims and priorities of Oxford City Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-28.
How much can I apply for?
Organisations seeking funding can apply for up to £70,000 per initiative.
If the scheme is oversubscribed, the City Council may decide to part fund some applications. Applicants will need to detail how they could scale their proposals.
The funding is available for the financial year 2026/27.
Who can apply?
Applications for funding will only be accepted from organisations that operate and deliver initiatives in Oxford city. You can apply if your organisation is a:
- voluntary or community organisation
- registered charity
- not-for-profit company or community interest company
- social enterprise
- faith based organisation
What the grant scheme can support
The fund can support applications for the provision of day centre initiatives delivered in the City. Such provision should align with and help deliver Oxford City Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-28 and Oxfordshire’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2021-26.
The fund can support the following projects/initiatives regarding day centre provision for those experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping or who are at risk of homelessness:
- strong partnership work and signposting to services to suit individual’s support needs, with the aim to end homelessness and rough sleeping
- general advice, guidance and signposting to more specialist service
- support to those experiencing rough sleeping to get off the street
- access to projects and activities for individuals to take part in
- vocational skills training and employment support
- workshops and basic training in life-skills, money-management etc.
- library facilities
- computer suites
- access to food and drink
- laundry facilities and showers
- clothing store
Organisations applying for funding will need to have access to suitable premises to deliver day centre provision from.
There will be a strong preference for bids that:
- are sustainable and will continue beyond the funding period
- are aspirational for the futures of individuals experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping.
- are co-produced with individuals experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping.
- include trauma informed thinking.
- interact with and add value to existing services.
- encourage multi agency working.
- support individuals rough sleeping to move off the streets.
- address a gap in provision, enhance accessibility or inclusion in existing services. Projects should not duplicate existing services
- benefit people from minority groups
- reduce silo working between services/organisations and disciplines
- support individuals who are experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping and who have multiple support needs
What the grant scheme can't support
This scheme is not intended for:
- initiatives to support individuals under the age of 18
- initiatives which statutory organisations would normally be expected to provide
How to make an application
Apply online
Apply for a grant using the online application form on the Plinth website.
Apply for a grant online on the Plinth website
Application schedule
- Applications open: 12 November 2025
- Applications close: 11 December 2025
- Decisions expected: 5 January 2026
Supporting documents
Download the following documents to support your grant application:
