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.
Provided in collaboration with OCVA and Charity Mentors Oxfordshire, Charity Triage will provide confidential support to charities that find themselves facing an uncertain future. The initiative will help clarify problems and pinpoint the right support in terms of training, leadership or funding.
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.
Homes for Oxford is preparing a community-led bid to purchase the Irving Building, a Victorian school building in East Oxford which they propose converting into affordable housing and a community space.