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.
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.
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.
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.
Local solicitors, accountants and financial advisors are invited to a professional advisor briefing on efficient alternatives to private trusts and charities, on Thursday 2nd July. The briefing will include nibbles and drinks and the chance to chat informally with us about how we can help give excellent philanthropy advice.
The preferred investment manager for UK community foundations, CCLA, have been recognised for their ethical credentials, beating Henderson Global Investors and Newton Investment Management to win a Charity Times Better Society Award.
We are delighted to welcome Anne Davies and Nick Case to our Board of Trustees, who bring a wealth of business expertise to the organisation from their work in the private sector and long experience of information systems and financial management.
Community foundations UK-wide are now collectively in the top 15 for charitable endowments held in the UK, with the second fastest growing endowment in the country. As we approach the General Election, umbrella organisation UKCF is lobbying for the next government to make local philanthropy one of its key strategic priorities.
Last year, 13 community foundations across the UK received gifts of £1 million and above, working with private donors, corporations and trusts and foundations.