Discover Funding Opportunities

Connected Communities Fund

The Connected Communities Fund is a partnership between OCVA, Community First Oxfordshire, and Oxfordshire County Council to support The Oxfordshire Way, a countywide vision to help people live well and independently in their communities for as long as possible. It's all about building resilience, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for people to stay active, connected, and supported close to home. The fund supports regular, ongoing activities that bring people together and create lasting impact, including activities that help people connect and socialise, projects that support mental and physical wellbeing, initiatives that reduce isolation including language, cultural, or caring barriers, and intergenerational or community-wide projects focused on benefits for older people. The fund especially welcomes projects that fill gaps in local support, add to what's already available locally, try something new such as tackling digital exclusion or using local spaces creatively, work with local businesses to create social, environmental, or economic benefits, support unpaid carers, and help build strong, resilient communities that last beyond the life of the grant. Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 to help cover costs of running activities that benefit older adults (50+) and adults (18+) with additional needs, including people living with physical or mental health conditions, neurodivergent adults, those experiencing loneliness or social isolation, people facing language or cultural barriers, and unpaid carers. Projects can focus on community-based socialising, health and wellbeing, arts, culture and creativity, green/environmental and outdoor activities, and learning new skills. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with no closing date until all funding has been allocated. The fund is currently paused with updates to be announced on their website and social media channels.

Clergy Grants - Christian Grants Programme

The Christian Grants programme supports initiatives that promote Anglican Clergy Wellbeing. Grants of £10,000 or more per year are available for up to three years to churches, charities, and not-for-profit organisations within the UK with an annual income up to £1 million. Projects should focus on services like peer support groups, retreats, mentoring, or pastoral care to support clergy with their health and wellbeing. Applicants need to have a track record of delivering similar work and have been established for at least 18 months. The foundation welcomes applications from organisations affiliated with the Church of England, the Church in Wales, the Scottish Episcopal Church, or the Church of Ireland. Applications can be submitted at any time, and decisions are made in under five months.