Oxford City Council has allocated £388,000 in grant funding to 86 community groups and voluntary organisations across the city. This financial support is part of the Council’s ongoing effort to tackle inequality and help deliver essential services to local residents, especially in a city that ranks as the second most unequal in the UK.
The funding is being provided through the Oxford Community Impact Fund (OCIF), a three-year programme launched in 2022. OCIF offers sustained support for vital services such as advice centres and domestic abuse organisations, with core funding guaranteed at current levels until March 2028.
Two separate rounds of grant awards were announced. The first, called the Big Ideas Fund, covers the period from 2025 to 2028 and provides £338,000 per year to 45 organisations working on strategic, community-led initiatives. The second, the Small Grants Fund (2025 Round 1), distributed £50,000 to 41 organisations, with grants capped at £3,000 each to ensure accessibility for smaller grassroots groups. An additional £34,000 is expected to be awarded in a second round.
All grant recipients were selected based on their commitment to reducing inequality and their ability to attract external funding into Oxford. The Big Ideas Fund recipients include a diverse range of organisations engaged in arts, youth services, social justice, education, and support for vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, the Small Grants Fund supports a mix of cultural, environmental, and community service initiatives.
The Council estimates that every £1 it invests through these grants generates over £15.92 in additional funding or earned income per organisation. This multiplier effect strengthens the city’s community fabric and supports long-term sustainability. Notably, 51% of the applications this year came from new applicants, indicating growing community engagement with the funding programme.
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