A generous donation from the Randal Foundation has enabled Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) to award eight additional grants through its Living Essentials Fund, extending vital support to some of the county’s smallest charities working with people facing poverty and financial hardship.
The £33,000 donation has funded grants to eight grassroots organisations across Oxfordshire, helping them provide essential support including food, clothing, baby equipment, warm spaces, community meals, energy advice and practical assistance for vulnerable residents. The grants were awarded to organisations with annual incomes below £50,000 and whose work closely aligns with one of the Randal Foundation‘s core areas of focus, alleviating poverty.
The funding comes at a time when many households continue to struggle with the impact of rising living costs. OCF’s Living Essentials Fund supports charitable organisations helping people access basic necessities such as food, warmth, secure housing and financial stability.
The Living Essentials Fund was able to give grants totalling £250,000 thanks to the generosity of a wide range of trusts, foundations and institutions, businesses, individuals and statutory organisations alongside the Randal Foundation. By convening multiple donors who have chosen to give collectively, we have been able to make an even bigger difference together than they would be able to on their own.
The Randal Foundation said:
“Supporting communities is at the heart of what we do at the Randal Foundation. Through our partnership with Oxfordshire Community Foundation, we are reaching vulnerable members of our communities and making a real, lasting difference to those in greatest need.
“Community foundations bring invaluable local knowledge and deep connections within the areas they serve. By working together, we can ensure our support reaches where it is needed most to deliver the greatest possible impact.”
Apollos Clothing received a grant of £4,337 to help them tackle clothing poverty across Oxfordshire. They collect pre-loved and outgrown clothes, saving them from landfill and providing good quality, clean clothing to those most in need. The grant will help the charity continue supplying clothing and essential items, including school uniforms and children’s shoes, while supporting the operation of its warehouse hub.
Another grant totalling £1,700 was awarded to Food for Charities (Botley Larder). The group reduces food waste and offers a low‑cost food club with social café that strengthens community ties. Funding helps cover hall rent and electricity for one fridge/freezer, enabling continued provision of healthy, reduced‑cost food and a warm space.
Kate Parrinder, Deputy Chief Executive of Oxfordshire Community Foundation, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to the Randal Foundation for this generous donation. While Oxfordshire is often seen as an affluent county, we know that many individuals and families continue to face difficult choices between heating, eating and other essentials.
“These additional grants will strengthen the work of eight small community organisations that are deeply embedded in their neighbourhoods and trusted by the people they support. Their work provides both immediate help and longer-term resilience for local residents.”
The Randal Foundation was established by Dr Nik and Moni Kotecha to save and significantly improve lives through partnerships that tackle disadvantage, alleviate poverty and create opportunities for people facing the greatest challenges. The Foundation has identified community foundations as an effective way of reaching grassroots organisations delivering support directly within local communities.
The eight organisations funded through the donation are:
- Apollos Clothing
- Café 103 Bicester
- Food for Charities (Botley Larder)
- Open Door (Oxford)
- Sustainable Didcot
- Thrive OX7
- Transition Lighthouse Empowerment Space CIC
- Witney Baby Bank
Through the Living Essentials Fund, OCF works with donors to ensure support reaches grassroots groups helping people experiencing financial hardship, food insecurity and housing challenges across the county. The additional funding from the Randal Foundation means that even more residents can access practical help through trusted community organisations at a time when demand for support remains high.
About the Randal Charitable Foundation
Founded by Dr Nik & Moni Kotecha, the Randal Foundation has a clear unwavering vision, which is to directly save, and significantly improve the lives of 1 million people globally.
Supporting issues connected to healthcare for the most vulnerable, tackling mental ill-health, alleviating poverty, and providing education for the most disadvantaged are the areas of focus for the Foundation. It works at scale and with pace with aligned partner organisations, to deliver its goals.
For more information about the Randal Foundation visit here