Become a Patron

Empower us to nurture thriving communities across Oxfordshire

Patrons empower us and the charities we support by committing to a substantial unrestricted gift for three years or more. By funding value-added grant-making and donor-care services, Patrons can feel proud to give:

  • Innovation. Our income from restricted funds just covers the cost of administering those funds. Patrons’ funds enable staff time to research new ideas, advocate to new donors, and create new initiatives.
  • Leadership. The endorsement you give us by becoming a Patron shows vision that inspires others to give. Patrons enable us to promote more and better local philanthropy.
  • Agility. Most of our funds are restricted, directed towards particular themes. Patrons’ gifts allow us to allocate funds as needed when a new opportunity emerges or a local crisis hits.
  • Kindness. Under-resourced small charities tell us that we are special in making time to help them with applications, give feedback for improvement and connect them with additional support. It’s because of Patrons’ investment that we can dedicate that staff time and empathy.
  • Resilience. Our investments generate long-term returns, but they go up and down in the short-term – a particular issue during global and national crises, when local needs (and our costs) tend to increase. Patrons ensure that OCF can always be there for communities when they need us.
Our work and impact

Our work starts with uncovering the barriers to the safety and fulfilment of local people, and centres on investing in the grassroots charitable organisations that help them.

We strive to add value at every stage of the philanthropic journey:

None of our work would be possible without employing and investing in our people:

  • We are proud to pay staff the Oxford Living Wage, meaning that we can bring expertise from people from any background, including those who grew up locally and understand Oxfordshire first-hand.
  • We provide training and pay expenses for the volunteers that give up their time to assess grant applications, supporting them to make fair and objective decisions about where funding goes.
Be part of a local institution

Patrons join an established community of Oxfordshire’s influencers.

OCF works alongside charitable organisations of all sizes to deliver impact in our county, as well as having long-term relationships with statutory bodies and community leaders. Our work is supported by our President, the Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Marjorie Glasgow BEM, and we work closely with every High Sheriff in office annually.

30 Patrons for 30 years

OCF’s patrons commit to a substantial unrestricted gift for three years or more. This enables our team to provide value-adding grant-making and donor care services.

In 2025, OCF will be 30 years old. Please consider becoming a Patron so that we can be here to support local communities for the next 30 years.

Kate ParrinderContact our Head of Development Kate Parrinder
to set up a conversation or meeting.

Quick links
Featured

Ark T Centre

The Ark T Centre is an arts project in East Oxford, and is situated in a high-risk area for Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). Ark T is an open and inclusive community, where people, art, and powerful ideas come together, using the transformative powers of creativity to change lives.

SOFEA

SOFEA’s mission is to enable the transformation of people’s lives, and their communities, with a major focus on young people. They enable people to fulfil their potential through work, wellbeing, study and purpose projects, providing the means of reducing the immediate effects of disadvantage by relieving food insecurity in the wider community.

Good Food Oxford (GFO)

Good Food Oxford supports the existing work of many organisations in and around the city working to make our food system more nourishing, less wasteful and more sustainable.

Thrive

Thrive offers activity clubs and mentoring for young people in two of Oxford’s most deprived areas – Blackbird Leys and Barton. Their clubs and activities are countering the effects of social exclusion.