Former police officer Wally Cox started working with OCF as Grants Officer in 2003, later leaving paid employment and becoming a volunteer grants assessor. Now he is retiring and OCF will miss his friendship and expert eye, which has helped our grants panel direct funding judiciously for the past 14 years.
Good Food Oxford was launched in December 2013 in order to help support the existing work of many organisations in and around the city working to make our food system more nourishing, less wasteful and more sustainable. OCF continues to support GFO as they grow.
As a charity funder, OCF knows that charities rely on hard cash for projects and running costs to carry out their work. A new focus on volunteering aims to complement this and help charities access new volunteers.
A Syrian couple who fled their home to escape war have given their heartfelt thanks to the people of Oxford for making them feel so welcome in the city. The family has been supported by Asylum Welcome, one of the charities that received substantial funding from one of OCF’s donors.
A new Home Office grant opportunity is offering up to £50,000 to charities working on projects that counter extremism and build stronger communities.
Medical communications company Oxford Pharmagenesis – a member of OCF’s responsible business group Reciprocate – is to run a free session for local charities upskilling them in the effective use of social media. The seminar takes place on 21st February at Freeths in Oxford Business Park.
Full Circle is an intergenerational charity that has been working with schools in Oxfordshire for 15 years. Over the past 12 months, OCF has been proactively supporting the charity whilst it was struggling to make ends meet. We are delighted that they are now back on their feet and have exciting plans for the future.
Christmas can be particularly difficult time for people who weren’t brought up alongside their biological families. This year, a group of volunteers is organising a Christmas dinner for 18-30 year olds who have recently left care, creating festive memories for them that they may never have experienced before.
Carers Oxfordshire held its fourth annual Caring Matters Conference on 25th November at The Kassam Stadium, Oxford, and addressed key issues in caring in 2016. The conference offered carers and professionals essential information and advice around the caring role.
OCF has published its 2016 accounts, which show that the organisation has successfully stewarded over £1 million in donations for the third consecutive year, and achieved a sustained level of grant-making. With the appointment of a new Chair, OCF also strengthened its governance and strategy during 2016.