The Connected Communities Fund aims to tackle isolation and loneliness and increase the number of activities available for older people and people with additional needs by encouraging grassroots initiatives to access flexible funding alongside an ongoing package of support. The funding has been made available by Oxfordshire County Council and will be delivered to the voluntary and community sector through an innovative new route.
This fund is an exciting opportunity for communities to develop options in their local area that help to achieve the countywide ambition of creating places that “support the people of Oxfordshire to live well in their community, remaining fit and healthy for as long as possible”.
Applications up to £5,000
Examples of projects for the Connected Communities Fund
- Intergenerational projects that provide fresh opportunities for people to connect with others in the community through, for example, arts, crafts or play.
- Opening-up access to green and cultural spaces so that they can be enjoyed and accessed by a wider range of people, such as walking and gardening groups.
- Community befriending projects that address social isolation.
Groups and members of the community are encouraged to come forward with their ideas and will have the opportunity to talk through their proposal with the ongoing support and expertise of OCVA and Community First Oxfordshire.
A simple expression of interest form means that getting your community project started is easier than ever. There is no closing date, but applications will close when all funding has been allocated. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be considered and groups contacted on a rolling basis.
A Connected Communities Fund webinar took place on Thursday 20 October. A recording of this webinar can be found here. You can apply via the expression of interest form here.