Funding for community groups

How voluntary and community organisations can find and apply for funding opportunities

Help put a funding bid together

Voluntary groups offer free advice on funding.

Their support can include

  • finding funding sources
  • offering guidance on writing grant applications
  • reviewing drafts

Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA)

OCVA provides comprehensive support to voluntary and community groups looking for funding. 

They can:

  • help you identify suitable funding sources
  • offer expert advice on writing grant applications
  • review any application forms or letters you've prepared to ensure they meet funder expectations

Oxfordshire Community Foundation

The foundation offers grants to support local charities and groups. 

They aim to improve lives and build communities.

Community First Oxfordshire

Community First Oxfordshire provides tailored support in areas such as:

  • village shops
  • community halls
  • rural transport
  • community planning
  • housing development

District councils

Local funding opportunities 

Oxfordshire Community Action Groups (CAG)

CAG Oxfordshire offers a network of over 100 community action groups. 

The service aims to make it a safer, fairer, greener, more sustainable place to live, work and visit. 

Small Grants Scheme – Foyle Foundation

This scheme supports small UK charities with annual turnovers under £100,000. 

Grants are for grassroots and community-level projects across various sectors. 

Applications are accepted year-round, though decisions may take up to four months.

Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment

This grant supports non-profit organisations working on local projects. 

Applications must align with the Trust's key funding priorities.

Community Capacity Grants

Grassroots organisations in Oxfordshire can apply for a share of £525,000. 

The funds support projects that boost independence and well-being.

OCVA and partners administer the grants. A panel reviews each application for fair allocation.
Formal eligibility criteria must be met to apply.

Funding is divided into two categories:

  • larger grants (£5,000 to £20,000) through the Community Foundation.
  • smaller grants (up to £5,000) through the Connected Communities Fund.

Full details and application links are available on their respective websites.

National funding opportunities

Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion supports serving and ex-service personnel. 

Grants cover needs such as: 

  • employment
  • medical costs
  • household equipment mobility aids

Princes Countryside Fund

The Prince's Countryside Fund provides up to £50,000 per project. 

Funding supports innovative rural projects with long-term positive impacts.

The National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery offers funding through two funds.

The Heritage Lottery Fund

The Heritage Lottery Fund is available for projects related to:

  • museums
  • parks
  • historic 
  • places
  • archaeology
  • cultural traditions

Grant amounts range from £3,000 to over £5 million.

Sport England

Sport England supports physical activities, funding is open to: 

  • sports clubs
  • community groups 
  • schools
  • universities

Help the Homeless Grants

Help the Homeless supports small and medium-sized charities. 

They work to help homeless people re-enter the community. 

Grants of up to £5,000 are available for capital costs. 

Quarterly deadlines are on 15 March, June, September, and December.

Lloyds Bank Foundation

Lloyds Bank Foundation funds charities supporting people with major life challenges.

Countryside Stewardship

The Countryside Stewardship programme funds projects to:

  • improve the environment
  • boost agricultural productivity
  • support rural economies

Government-funded grant finder

To find grants currently available, use the Government-funded grant finder.