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£320,000 now available to improve quality of life for people and communities in South Oxfordshire

The capital grant funding scheme, run by South Oxfordshire District Council, is now open for applications to help build thriving communities and improve the quality of life for people in the district.

The council has a total budget of £320,000 to provide organisations with a financial boost for capital projects, such as making improvements to buildings or play areas.

Previously successful applicants have used funding to create new community facilities, upgrade playgrounds and playing fields, and install EV chargers and solar panels to community buildings.

Warborough Sports Pavilion, Mill Meadows Adventure Playground in Henley and Crowmarsh Pavilion are just some of the projects funded by recent rounds of South Oxfordshire District Council’s Capital Grant Scheme.

Warborough Parish Council said: “The community now has a pavilion which is no longer crumbling, and of which it can be proud. Huge numbers of villagers have turned out for a sequence of ‘pavilion pop-up’ nights, serving a clear social need in the village. We look forward to welcoming parties, meetings and other users. The community is very grateful to all those who contributed to this hugely successful project. The Warborough Sports Pavilion has been reborn for community use for the decades to come.”

Sheridan Jacklin‑Edward from Henley Town Council said: “The new adventure playground at Mill Meadows has been a huge success. We’ve been able to make it more inclusive and accessible and created a biodiversity net gain through an innovative and exciting planting scheme.”

Elma Lahive from UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology who visited the new meeting room facilities at Crowmarsh Pavilion said: “We used the pavilion for our science team away days. We found the cosy setting and the kitchen facilities to be perfect for our group activities while also enjoying the outdoor table tennis and picnic facilities during our downtime.”

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “It’s fantastic to see projects from previous grant rounds come to completion and being enjoyed by local communities. The Capital Grant scheme has such a huge scope to help organisations fund large projects they may not otherwise be able to afford. We encourage our local voluntary sector and town and parish councils to grasp this funding opportunity to help bring impactful projects to life.”

New round of funding now open

Voluntary and community organisations in South Oxfordshire can now apply for up to £75,000 in funding – as the new 2024/25 round of the Capital Grant opened on 8 July.

The council has a total budget of £320,000, 15 per cent of which will be reserved for smaller projects.

Organisations can request a minimum of £5,000 and a maximum of £75,000 but no more than 50 per cent of their total project costs.

Applicants must show how their projects will help improve the quality of life for people in South Oxfordshire through projects that; improve economic and community well-being, provide infrastructure that meets local need, that protect and restore our natural world; and take action on the climate emergency.

Organisations eligible to apply are:

  • Town and parish councils
  • Non-profit businesses and Community Interest Companies
  • Community-based organisations

The Capital Grant Scheme is now open for applications until midday 2 September 2024.

Applicants apply online through the council’s website, southoxon.gov.uk/grants where the full guidance is available to help the applicant submit the best possible application.