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.
The Philanthropy Fellowship, a network of community philanthropists set up to inspire a greater culture of giving in the UK, hits a milestone this December as a new report documenting great British philanthropy is published.
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has praised the role of community foundations in creating an inclusive capitalism, as OCF-funded charity My Life My Choice starts a new campaign asking for tolerance and inclusion.
Jo Corfield, who has pioneered equine involvement therapy for emotionally troubled young people and adults, has received new backers since she began working with Oxfordshire Community Foundation.
Oxfordshire Community Foundation awarded £205,713.02 in grants to local community organisations from April 2013 to March 2014, benefiting Oxfordshire residents of all ages, ethnicities and abilities. Charities from every corner of the county received a boost for the great work they are doing to support Oxfordshire’s most disadvantaged.
We are taking part in the UK government’s Community First scheme. This scheme matches every pound given with a further 50p. Both donations and match funding go to a capital endowment fund that will continue to grow over time, giving us a sustainable pot of money that we can use for those in the local area who need it most.