Thanks to the generosity of colleagues at several local firms, we are now able to offer a series of dates for our professional advisor briefings at a variety of times and locations. The briefings are aimed at financial advisors, solicitors and accountants working with private clients to plan their philanthropy.
A combination of new donor-advised funds, match funding and more strategic grant-making means the 2014-15 financial year was our best yet. By building on our income successes with Gift Aid and an impressive investment fund performance, we have been able to make bigger community investments than ever before.
You can now book your seat at our debate at the Oxford Union on Tuesday 10th November, where speakers including Guardian journalist Sali Hughes and face equality campaigner James Partridge will explore whether it is acceptable to spend more on beauty than on charitable giving.
Research has shown that people in the UK do not know about local charities, despite 67% believing it is important to support their local community. OCF is working with OCVA to create a new open data tool that will connect the donors with the doers.
OCF was delighted to attend the grand opening of the social enterprise cafe in Witney, which was unveiled during a surprise visit from the Prime Minister. The opening is the latest chapter of a success story that has seen OCF support Yellow Submarine from the very start.
Our fundholder Anne-Marie Cockburn, who lost her daughter two years ago to an accidental ecstasy overdose, has joined other bereaved families to petition Number 10 for the legalisation and regulation of psychoactive substances.
New research published by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) has shown that two-thirds of wealthy clients surveyed would like more support from their trusted advisors, especially when it comes to understanding social causes – but that they expect this advice to be free or low cost.
OCF has provided a home for the Eynsham Museum Fund, which aims to nurture the pride of the community for its roots and provide an inspiration for future generations. Using OCF for the fund means the villagers are following a recent recommendation by the Charity Commission about alternatives to creating a new charity.
OCF recognises that many local businesses want to behave responsibly, but aren’t sure where to start or whether their initiatives are effective. To come up with a solution that will help companies do more for their community, we’re running a series of focus groups.
Oxfordshire Community Foundation is now seeking a strong, strategic thinker to lead the board and influence other major players, as current Chair Anna Moon plans to retire in 2016 after many years of outstanding service.