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We are helping to allocate funds generated from the VAT on sanitary products to charitable projects that improve the lives of disadvantaged women and girls.

OCF is delighted to be working in partnership with UK Community Foundations to deliver grant funding from the Tampon Tax Community Fund. Along with 45 other community foundations across the UK, OCF will be working with community groups and charities who deliver projects supporting women and girls to build skills and confidence, improve their health and wellbeing, and build social networks.

A key focus will be funding preventative work to reduce the risk of crisis at different life stages. This may be by helping women and girls get into or back to work, raising awareness about health issues, or by creating and developing peer networks.

One example of an organisation previously funded by the Tampon Tax Community Fund is a project that encourages marginalised young women to make the transition back into education, employment or training. It is aimed at women and girls between the ages of 12 and 21 experiencing difficulties such as low confidence, mental health issues, homelessness and teenage pregnancy.

Another is a project that delivers structured training in construction. This is aimed at women with little or no experience in the industry who face additional barriers such as caring responsibilities or financial disadvantage.

Jayne Woodley, OCF’s Chief Executive, comments: “On average, women have less income, access to resources, assets and financial independence than men. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety, and one in four women will require treatment for depression. By funding organisations where disadvantaged women can learn new skills, take better care of their health, and build social and peer networks, we hope to give them the ability and certainty to return to the workplace or improve their wellbeing.”

OCF will be making grants of between £5,000 and £10,000. Applications to this fund open on Monday 17th September and close on Friday 26th October.

Find out more and apply