For some people in Oxfordshire, this winter will bring a stark choice between heating and eating. We are partnering with Oxfordshire County Council to make urgent grants available to charitable organisations already working to tackle the crisis. If you can help, now is the time to step up and give.
The cost of living is affecting the poorest families the most, forcing them to deal with crisis after crisis in the wake of the pandemic. Local charities are telling us that hardship is being faced today by those who have never before faced challenges; that people are ill-equipped to deal with their situation, and are panic-stricken with anxiety.
It can be difficult to know what to do to help, but we believe it is time for all of us to step up to the challenge. This is why OCF is partnering with Oxfordshire County Council to establish a Cost of Living Fund, which will direct financial support to local charitable organisations delivering vital services at the front line. The council’s cabinet have agreed £100,000 of funding, with OCF contributing a similar sum. We now urge other funders, businesses and the general public to join with us by donating to the fund.
Our Cost of Living Fund will build on our long grant-making experience and critical response during the pandemic. We have consulted our capable local charitable sector about what exactly they need, and have used their feedback to design a round of grant funding that will deliver funds to organisations in November. You can read full details about the needs in our consultation report.
Cllr Liz Leffman, leader of the county council, says: “We all need to work hard to focus support on those who are struggling as the winter approaches. It is important that all local organisations work in partnership to do absolutely everything they can to help people with their health and wellbeing over coming months. Resource and effort are important but so is coordination. By working together, we can make a difference to people in these tough times.”
Kate Parrinder, Head of Philanthropy at OCF, says: “The cost-of-living crisis is affecting all of us in some way, but we know that despite a package of relief from Government, a huge number of people on our doorsteps in Oxfordshire will find it almost impossible to cope. Our best hope is our passionate and dynamic local charitable sector, who urgently need our support to deliver their crucial services to communities across the county.”