New research published today by New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) investigates the untapped potential of data held by charity funders. OCF’s Chief Executive Jayne Woodley was interviewed as part of the research, alongside several other UK community foundations.
This week saw the launch of 17 Vital Signs reports, which measure social trends and issues, and bring in the view of local communities. Similarly, OCF’s Oxfordshire Uncovered research is already starting conversations about the need for strategic charitable investment.
Using her charitable fund with the community foundation, our donor has recently given £25,000 to local charities Asylum Welcome and Oxford City of Sanctuary, which provide a warm welcome to people from all over the world seeking refuge in our city.
Led by accountancy firm Clark Howes, Reciprocate Encounters is a quarterly-run professional skills programme delivered by companies who want to share their wealth of knowledge and experience with the charity sector on a range of business-critical areas.
This year’s High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Sarah Taylor is on a mission to support the people she describes as “unsung heroes” – those who are dedicated to caring for family or friends who are ill. She has so far raised nearly £74,000, of which the majority will be distributed amongst charities supporting Oxfordshire carers.
OCF is supporting Homes for Oxford in the search for a site for innovative affordable housing. The alliance of community housing projects put in a bid to develop the Wolvercote paper mill site, which was unsuccessful, but the group plans to build on the learning and investment for future projects.
Charities and community groups in Oxfordshire have received a helping hand this month after The Midcounties Co-operative enabled groups to access grants totalling £17,030 via their fund with Oxfordshire Community Foundation. New applications will be sought in August.
Yellow Submarine founder Toby Staveley has created a new online platform for small local charities to share knowledge, build consortia, and gain combined impact and PR. So far 168 groups have joined Locl Oxfordshire, with more members sought.
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen’s coronation.
Former High Sheriff of Oxfordshire Tom Birch Reynardson has raised over £20,000 for an innovative project run by local charity Aspire Oxford, which will reduce re-offending rates across Oxfordshire.