On 13th October, around 50 representatives from charitable trusts, foundations and funding panels gathered at The Gradel Institute for Charity, for Oxfordshire Community Foundation’s seventh annual Funders’ Forum – a thought-provoking afternoon of discussion, learning and connection sponsored by Cazenove Capital.
The event brought together a diverse mix of local grant-makers and funding professionals, all with a shared interest in supporting Oxfordshire’s communities. Kindly hosted by the Gradel Institute of Charity, a new centre at New College, Oxford, the forum explored how funders can adapt to changing expectations, plan for the future and collaborate more effectively.
An iconic setting for a modern conversation
The afternoon opened with a welcome from OCF CEO Zoe Sprigings and Professor Peter Frumkin, Academic Director at the Gradel Institute. They set the tone for a programme that combined academic insight with practical ideas for action.
The keynote address came from Professor Beth Breeze OBE, Principal of Harris Manchester College and a leading voice in philanthropic research. Drawing on her latest book Rich Expectations, Beth offered a compelling overview of the evolution of charitable giving – from medieval endowments to modern-day strategic philanthropy. She highlighted the growing shift towards trust-based funding and support for core costs, aligning with OCF’s own advocacy for best-practice grant-making.
Beth also reflected on the challenges of succession planning, particularly for long-standing charitable trusts whose original founders are no longer involved. She noted the increasing role of advisers – from legal and investment professionals to community foundations – in helping funders navigate complexity and ensure their giving remains relevant and impactful.
Panel discussion and practical workshops
A panel discussion followed, featuring Beth Breeze, Peter Frumkin and Chris Willis Pickup, a charity law expert from Mishcon de Reya and former advisor to The Charity Commission. The conversation explored the pressures facing today’s trustees, including regulatory demands, rising need and the importance of flexible, grant-making. Audience members were invited to share their own experiences and questions, sparking a lively and thoughtful exchange.
After a short walk through Oxford’s historic streets, guests reconvened in New College’s main quad for structured networking over tea and cake. The day concluded with an optional workshop on Modern Grantmaking, led by Gemma Bull, co-author of Modern Grantmaking: A Guide for Funders Who Believe Better Is Possible.
How OCF works with other funders
The Funders’ Forum is part of OCF’s ongoing work to build a more connected and effective funding ecosystem in Oxfordshire. By convening local funders and sharing best practice, OCF aims to support more strategic, collaborative and impactful philanthropy.
OCF works with charitable trusts and statutory funders in a few different ways:
- Partnership – through our collective funds, we pool the resources of multiple funders to tackle key challenges facing our county’s communities. Many of the funders present at the event have contributed to these funds recently, having a bigger impact together than they could alone.
- Outsourcing – we have experience of working with charitable trusts that would like to outsource part or all of their grant-making, making use of our reach into Oxfordshire communities. Various different models are possible, depending on the grant funds available.
- Dormancy – where charities are struggling long term to recruit trustees, comply with governance requirements or fulfil their mission, community foundations can work with the Charity Commission to reinvigorate dormant or moribund trusts.
We are also happy to have a more in-depth discussion with funders’ trustee boards and panels about any of the topics raised at the Funders’ Forum. To arrange this, contact our Deputy CEO Kate Parrinder.
This year’s event was generously sponsored by Cazenove Capital, whose Philanthropy and Impact team supports individuals, families and foundations in aligning their wealth with their values.