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.
2016 has been another great year for OCF – full of celebrations, new relationships and truly inspiring people doing their best to help at a difficult time for the charitable sector. Have a look at our top ten highlights from 2016 below. Happy New Year to all of our friends and supporters – see you in 2017!
Please note that our office will be closed from midday on Friday 23rd December, opening again on Tuesday 3rd January. If you need to contact us urgently during this time, you can call Jayne on 07775 625942.
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.
The Charity Futures programme, led by Sir Stephen Bubb and funded by Woodford Investment Management, aims to improve the effectiveness of charities. OCF attended and presented at their event, which brought together representatives from the charity sector to understand challenges to its sustainability.
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.