A Community Benefit Fund is a voluntary commitment by a developer to put money into a fund which is then made available to community projects. If your company is considering how your development can have a lasting social impact in Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) is well-placed to partner with you, whatever stage of planning you are at.
Established in 1995, OCF is an expert grant-maker that has delivered over £20 million in funding to improve lives and tackle inequality across Oxfordshire. Our trusted reputation and extensive links with local community groups and statutory bodies enable us to deliver gold-standard grant-making programmes with maximum impact.
We understand the responsibility and importance of making a social impact as a business. Combining evidence of outcomes with personal stories of change, OCF can help you demonstrate clear positive contributions to the local community, working together to combat issues such as food insecurity and homelessness, and helping people live healthy and independent lives.
We can confidently manage the practicalities of operationalising your fund, enabling you to focus on the positive social impact your company can make by directly investing in the wellbeing of your local community.
We can help by:
Our dedicated Grants team bring a wealth of experience in delivering grant funding, with an advice line, drop-in support sessions and webinars to help make the application process straightforward and accessible.
OCF is A-rated by the Foundation Practice Rating, an independent assessment of grant-making foundations focussed on transparency, accountability and diversity. We are also a member of the quality-accredited network UK Community Foundations, which represents 46 similar grant-makers that cover every postcode in the UK.
Our team is experienced at managing multi-million pound funds. Since 2020 we have managed over £3.3 million on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, getting statutory, targeted funding out to grassroots charities in Oxfordshire.
The Westgate Fund was established in 2017 with a £125,000 donation from John Lewis to commemorate the redevelopment of Oxford’s prime shopping centre. The fund was held and managed by OCF and received additional support from Westgate landlords Landsec, and Oxford city centre law firm RWK Goodman. OCF worked with John Lewis to define the fund’s purpose, and match them to small local charities that fitted with their values.
Community Foundations across the UK are experienced in running community benefit funds; supporting renewable energy, land and property development firms. Devon Community Foundation have managed the Thorne Farm Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund since 2015, giving grants of up to £5,000 to organisations in specific parishes. A community panel, made up of members of the local community, ensure the aims of the grant programme are delivered.
We have supported thousands of local charitable organisations and community groups with grant funding. These organisations are often the linchpin of thriving communities, working tirelessly at the heart of neighbourhoods to transform people’s lives.
Our latest impact report tells the story of our work across Oxfordshire’s communities.
“OCF has been a key partner in delivering efficient, effective and independent rounds of community funding. Their evidence-based approach and broad reach into the community sector has helped us deliver support across Oxfordshire’s communities in a way that is transparent as well as fast.”
A grant of £5,000 helped a group of 15 young people with learning disabilities campaign for more paid work for people affected by special educational needs and autism. A project worker and film production team supported the young people to create their own lobbying project.
A grant funded YoCO’s life-changing volunteer programme for young people from vulnerable and chaotic family backgrounds who are at risk of school drop-out and anti-social behaviour. The project has given the young people a sense of worth and aspirations for their future.
Contact our Deputy CEO Kate Parrinder
to set up a conversation or meeting.
kate.parrinder@oxfordshire.org
01865 419467
