Over £600k available to help support communities in South Oxfordshire
A new round of the Revenue grant scheme is now open.
The Revenue Grant Scheme, run by South Oxfordshire District Council, aims to help voluntary and community organisations build and support thriving communities and improve the quality of life of people across South Oxfordshire.
The council offers in principle funding for two years and has a provisional budget of £667,992 to allocate. This is subject to annual approval by the council when setting its budget.
As well as covering essential operational costs, this funding can also be used to help voluntary sector organisations become more financially sustainable and have a long-lasting impact in the communities they support. For example, organisations may consider using this funding to support training staff in new skills or to invest in new income streams to help diversify their fundraising.
Previous recipients include Didcot Train and River Thame Conservation Trust who are two of twenty-one organisations who were awarded grant funding last year and have used the funds to make a difference in their community and to the lives of people living in the district.
Ben Drabble from Didcot Train said: “Thanks to the grant, we can continue to meet the needs of young people in our community. This funding allows us to provide a safe, supportive environment where young people can build confidence, foster positive relationships, and make informed choices.”
Chelsea Hothem from River Thame Conservation Trust said: “Funding is allowing us to continue to engage a vibrant community of volunteers through activities like water quality monitoring, habitat improvement and invasive species removal. This extra funding allows us to train, encourage and support the fantastic people who generously donate their time to work towards a healthy river catchment with clean water and thriving wildlife, valued and enjoyed by local people.”
Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “The revenue grant is a helping hand to local organisations, allowing them to continue their vital work supporting our communities. It’s inspiring to see how the grant is impacting the lives of young people and contributing to our drive to help sustain our natural environment. We as a council recognise the invaluable work that community and voluntary organisations do across the district and the importance of being able to support them in providing key services to our residents.
“By helping organisations cover fundamental operational costs, they are able to focus on those that need their support and carry out the important day to day work that makes such a difference in our local community.”
Organisations can apply for a minimum grant of £10,000 and a maximum grant of £125,000 per annum over the two-year period.
The closing date for applications is midday 1 November 2024.
The services and activities must be able to demonstrate direct benefits to meet a clearly identified need for South Oxfordshire residents. They must contribute towards at least one of the council’s externally focussed emerging Corporate Plan priorities.
- Action on climate change and nature recovery
- Inclusion, accessibility and accountability
- Thriving and healthy communities
- Homes and infrastructure that meet local need
More information about the grant scheme can be found on our website southoxon.gov.uk/grants or organisations can contact the council’s Community Enablement team on 01235 422405 or grants@southandvale.gov.uk.
