Grant scheme launches to help community groups in South Oxfordshire

A new round of funding is now open to help local charities and organisations in South Oxfordshire. Earlier this year South Oxfordshire District Council awarded £165,000 worth of grants to 96 projects across the district.

As a part of the Councillor Community Grant scheme every South Oxfordshire District Councillor has a budget of up to £5,000 to award to local projects that directly benefit residents in their ward. Organisations who are ‘not-for-profit’ can now apply for grants from £250 up to a maximum of £5,000 per councillor in their ward for projects that will bring positive outcomes for local residents.

Before applying, applicants are encouraged to get in touch with their local councillor to discuss their project and go to our website southoxon.gov.uk/grants for further information and details on eligibility. Applications are made online and the first round of funding closes at noon on Friday 1 October. 

The last round of funding which closed earlier this year was able to help a range of projects from biodiversity and wildlife projects, but also those that improve mental health and wellbeing through bringing people together and family focused projects giving children access to free play and activities.

Many of these projects focus on areas that South Oxfordshire District Council has set as priorities in its Corporate Plan, which include restoring our natural world; and improved economic and community well-being. When organisations apply for this round of funding, they are also being encouraged to think about how their project would contribute to the council’s priorities for the district.

Cllr Maggie Filipova-Rivers, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing said: “We can make such a difference to community groups in our district with this grant. The fact it can now be awarded as a single payment from an individual councillor or as a larger grant as part of a ward decision really gives us the opportunity to help organisations in South Oxfordshire, some of which have really struggled with fundraising since the start of the pandemic.” You can find out more about the Councillor Community Grant on our website or by contacting the Community Enablement team.