Thriving in Nature Fund

OCF is pleased to launch this fund for a second year, aimed at enhancing lives through the power of nature. We believe in the transformative power of green spaces. Spending time in nature has numerous health benefits, from reducing stress to boosting confidence and self-esteem. 

** We are now closed to Expressions of Interest. Groups will be notified on 9th June of the outcome of their EOI. **

This grants round is transformative for OCF and the groups we support. We will continue to offer funding in a different way, having listened to what groups need:

• We will be offering multi-year funding over two years.
• We’re allocating £50,000 of the fund to provide smaller grants to less established groups who are keen to grow.
• We’re committed to providing a variety of application methods and ensuring the application process remains straightforward.
• Successful groups will be asked to set their own key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the project’s/organisation’s success. This empowers them to tailor the project to their specific goals and define their own success. It is all about making a difference.
• Successful groups will be supported by the OCF grants team, invited to face-to-face progress catch-ups each year and an online forum to support with monitoring and evaluation methods.

We are eager to learn about the impactful work that groups are undertaking and understand how this funding can empower them to flourish. This could be through supporting staffing or core costs, alleviating pressure points, or enabling  groups to focus directly on serving their communities. This funding could also incubate innovative ideas and project development.

We are seeking grant proposals which deliver these outcomes:

• Enhancing mental or physical health and wellbeing through engaging with nature, green spaces and the rural environment  
• Boosting rural skills, training and job opportunities through engaging with nature, green spaces and the rural environment  
• Expanding access to nature, green spaces and the rural environment for underrepresented groups. 

We are launching a two-stage application process. The first stage is an Expression of Interest (EOI) where groups can make an initial enquiry.   

Eligible groups will be invited to submit a Detailed Application. Applications will be assessed by our OCF grants panel and independent assessors.

To be eligible for the Thriving in Nature Fund, applicant organisations must be one of the following: 

• Registered Charity 
• Community Interest Company (CIC) 
• Company Limited by Guarantee 
• Unincorporated Club or Association 
• Community Benefit Society 
• Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

Organisations that have been awarded funding from the 2024 Thriving in Nature grants are NOT eligible to apply for the current funding round.

More details about eligibility can be found in our full guidance document, which you must read before completing the EOI.

Applications to the Thriving in Nature Fund can request funding in the following categories: 

• Project costs: These are costs directly associated with the delivery of a project. 
• Core costs: These are costs that keep your organisation running, such as salaries, rent, utilities, etc. 
• Capital costs: These are costs related to any physical assets your organisation may need, such as equipment or IT support.

The following costs are not eligible:

• Costs that have already been incurred
• Changes to land/buildings that do not belong to the applicant
• Large-scale construction projects (including fixed structures e.g. playgrounds).

14th May 2025 – Applications are open to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI)

2nd June 2025 – EOI stage closes at midday

9th June 2025 – Groups will be notified of the outcome of their EOI

9th June 2025 – Groups that are successful in the EOI stage are now open to submit Detailed Applications. Details will be provided to eligible groups

7th July 2025 – Detailed Application round closes at midday

w/c 11th August 2025 – Groups receive notification of results

Our Grants Team are available to provide guidance on the application process. As part of the EOI stage of the application process an online advice session will be held as follows:

Tuesday 20th May, 12-2pm. 10-minute bookings can be made with our Grants Team. Please email grants@oxfordshire.org to request a timeslot.

Alternatively, if you are unable to make the online advice session or have additional questions our Grants Team can be contacted on grants@oxfordshire.org or 01865 798666

A further support session will be held for those organisations that are eligible to submit a Detailed Application. Details of this will be shared with relevant groups.

1. Read the Guidance Document before completing your application
2. Review the questions that are asked in the EOI to prepare your answers in advance
3. Sign up to the advice session if you have any queries
4. Complete your EOI by 2nd June at midday.