Oxfordshire Community Foundation have launched their Thriving in Nature Fund for applications from charitable organisations in Oxfordshire. Approximately £250,000 is available to award to groups working to improve lives through green spaces.
Charitable organisations are now able to apply for OCF’s latest funding round. The Thriving in Nature Fund, now in its second year, aims to enhance 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.
The grants round will be focussed on enhancing mental or physical health and wellbeing, boosting rural skills, training and job opportunities and expanding access to nature.
As OCF continue to work towards better grant-making the application process will be in two stages, with the first stage being a straightforward Expression of Interest. Eligible groups will then be invited to submit a Detailed Application. This means that groups will not waste valuable time completing an application if they are unlikely to be funded.
OCF’s first ever round of Thriving in Nature grants were paid in August 2024, with multi-year grants totalling £494k given to 12 small local charities. Some examples of groups that were funded are:
- Long Mead Foundation, which received £59,612 over three years to scale up meadow restoration, community and landowner engagement, skills sharing and community support
- Oxford Community Action, which received £51,311 over three years to support people from minoritised backgrounds to access nature through guided hikes on a variety of terrains
- Cheney School Association, which received £9,000 over two years to transform inner courtyards of the school into lively green spaces, designed to encourage wildlife and wellbeing
- 21st Century Thame, which received £9,884 over two years to help women and girls to learn about and use regenerative agriculture.
Here is just a snapshot of some of the wonderful work being done by charitable organisations that have received a Thriving in Nature grant in 2024:
Charitable organisations can submit an Expression of Interest from 14th May 2025 until the deadline on 2nd June 2025 at midday.
Find out more about how to apply for a Thriving in Nature grant