At Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF), we are continually evolving how we support local charitable organisations through our grant-making, with a streamlined application process and supportive approach. We strive to be a gold-standard grant-maker, working to ensure that funding is more than just a transaction.
Putting communities first
The last two years have seen the Grants team tirelessly working to refine our approach, ensuring that our communities are heard and supported at every stage of OCF’s grant-making process. At the heart of our work is a commitment to listening. We’ve travelled across the county, met with grassroots organisations, and welcomed groups into our office to have open, face-to-face conversations. Most recently, we hosted 10 local organisations for in-person support sessions as part of our Thriving in Nature grant programme, with another 12 joining us online. These 15-minute sessions are designed to be accessible and informative, helping applicants feel confident and supported from the outset.
We know that time is precious for the organisations we serve. That’s why we’ve streamlined our application processes – offering upfront guidance, one-to-one drop-ins, open days, webinars, and even piloting two-stage applications to reduce the burden on applicants. Our aim is to make applying for funding as straightforward and empowering as possible.
Redefining success together
We believe that the groups we fund are best placed to define what success looks like. That’s why we’ve shifted the power dynamic – placing community organisations in the driver’s seat and making feedback a standard part of our process. This helps us grow alongside our grantees and better support their long-term success.
Beyond funding, we’ve launched a pilot mentoring scheme to provide ongoing support to successful applicants. We’ve also welcomed 28 new assessors and volunteers, many of whom are now trained in Modern Grantmaking principles, to help us deliver funding that is fair, inclusive and impactful.
More than money: building relationships
At OCF, we see funding as more than just financial support – it’s about connection, collaboration and shared impact. We are proud to work in partnership with other local funders and to build relationships that extend well beyond the grant period. Our goal is to create equitable power dynamics and nurture a culture of mutual respect and learning.
As Claire Hughes, OCF’s Head of Grants and Inclusion, puts it:
“It’s humbling and rewarding to see the impact of creating equitable power dynamics, actively listening and serving far beyond the grant period, ensuring there is a fair synergy between funder and grantee.”
Looking ahead
These efforts have set us on course to deliver £2 million in grants in 2024-25. But more importantly, they’ve brought us closer to becoming the gold-standard grant-maker we strive to be.
Claire goes on to say:
“We often liken grant-making to nurturing a garden. First, we enrich the soil – by listening to communities and understanding their needs. Then we plant seeds – through streamlined processes and empowering systems. We water and nourish – by mentoring, supporting, and offering thoughtful feedback. And in time, we see the garden flourish – thriving initiatives, success stories and communities that bloom because we’ve honoured their unique strengths and needs.”
Together, we’re making funding more than just financial support – it’s about connection, collaboration and impact.
Find out more about our Grants rounds