Pot of Cash Is a Lifeline to Charities
Windfalls that can save vital community groups from folding
January 2007
The Oxfordshire Community Foundation has given away £1 million in grants to good causes over the past ten years, acting as a broker between charitable donors and community groups. Banbury Guardian reporter Sarah Goldthorpe finds out more about the organisation.
Ever tried to raise money for a good cause and failed? If so, the Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) could be the place to turn.
The organisation, which marked its tenth anniversary last year and has supplied £1 million of grants, gives money to community groups that may otherwise have to close. It can be anything from village hall committees to homelessness, arts or counselling groups.
OCF acts as a broker between causes and charitable donors, raising the profile of
little-
Chief Executive Barry Tanswell said: "A lot of very small, localised community groups would not be able to do what they do without the work of the Oxfordshire Community Foundation. We work with a lot of people who want to give potentially significant sums. For example, if a seriously wealthy banker got a bonus of £3 million and decided to give some of it to organisations in the area of Oxfordshire where they live, we have the knowledge and research to help them."
Individuals or organisations can donate to the OCF directly or by specifying what sort of cause they want their money to go to.
Skidz motor workshop received £5,000 through OCF last year from the government's Local Network Fund, which supports causes for young people. It went towards a new £10,000 computer system to help youngsters qualify in motor and road user studies. Project Manager Steve Lenhardt said the organisation was fantastic for Banburyshire. He is also an OCF panel member. "I have nothing but praise for the OCF," he said. "Applying for grants from the foundation is ever so simple and someone will even come and help you fill out the forms if needed. It's all very easy and the group has helped a lot of good causes."
Banbury charity Homestart also got a £5,000 grant through OCF last year. As reported by the Banbury Guardian last October, the family support group was put in jeopardy when funding was withdrawn by North Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT). But thanks to OCF money, trained parent volunteers have been able to continue visiting homes, supporting young families struggling to cope with everyday life. Management committee chairman Deborah Hayter said: "We applied for this money after we lost the money from the PCT to enable us to carry on. It has met the cost of supporting five families for a year." She added: "It's a good idea to have a body like OCF that deals with voluntary organisations all over the county and can take an overview of what is out there."
OCF allows places to establish their own named fund, similar to having your own charitable trust. Funds can be set up with a single gift or built up over a period to reach significant level and can be a great way of marking a special occasion or commemorating a loved one. Chairman John Briggs said: "Partnerships between us, individuals and business community will become even more critical as some of our Government funded income streams are due to conclude. "We have a vision of improving quality of life for people in Oxfordshire, whether it be disability groups, the homeless, the vulnerable, elderly or indeed unlocking the potential of young people."
For more information about OCF, which is based in Woodins Way, Oxford, or to discuss getting involved, call Mr. Tanswell on 01865 798666.
Some of the other Banburyshire charities helped by the Oxfordshire Community Foundation last year:
Local Network Fund:
North and West Oxfordshire Carers' Centre -
Community Grant Fund:
Banbury Benefits Advice Project -
And many other smaller grants.
Reproduced with kind permission from the Banbury Guardian.
