The awards recognised dynamic and successful organisations in the Thames Valley, and in particular those who had excelled against their business plans in the past year. OCF was a finalist for Charity of the Year, which was won by Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
Speakers for the opposition defeated the motion at our debate on Tuesday, as a 380-strong audience voted against the suggestion that “there is nothing wrong with spending more on looking good than doing good”.
Hosted by The Oxford Foundation, which aims to promote religious harmony, the music concert on Thursday 8th October will showcase a classical ensemble made up of singers and musicians of Jewish, Christian and Muslim heritage working together.
Staff and trustees from all 48 of the UK’s community foundations gathered at the inspiring and thought-provoking event in Belfast. As well as the sharing of ideas and success stories via targeted workshops, participants had the chance to hear talks from renowned speakers, including former England rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward.
Our four staff and two of our trustees will take a valuable pause for thought at the national community foundations conference, which takes place in Belfast with the theme of ‘Leadership: Transforming Vision into Reality’. During the three days of the conference the office will be closed and we will not be available on our usual phone number.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.