About us

Oxfordshire Community Foundation improves lives and tackles inequality by investing in Oxfordshire’s dynamic charitable sector.

We are a charity that builds thriving communities through effective philanthropy.

Our county’s wealth, success and beauty hide a number of serious and shocking social problems. The pandemic and the current huge increases in the cost of living have made these issues worse, while the climage crisis is becoming ever more urgent. Our recently published report, Oxfordshire Uncovered, shines a light on the barriers that stop people in Oxfordshire from thriving, and why charities and philanthropy are so vital in our county. 

Local donors choose to work with OCF because we bring an in-depth understanding of these needs and priority issues, alongside trusted relationships with our network of grassroots delivery charities and community groups. We champion this vibrant local charity sector as a crucial way to combat issues such as homelessness, educational inequality, and loneliness and isolation, awarding around £2 million in grants annually.

We work with philanthropists, businesses and the public sector, pooling their funds so that they can make a bigger difference together. Funders can feel confident of a safe pair of hands for their contributions, as we implement strong governance processes; conduct thorough due diligence on all grant applications; and report back with inspiring stories on the impact of their support.

OCF holds named funds on behalf of our fundholders, as well as collective funds where donors can give to a particular theme or cause.  A named fund (sometimes known as a donor-advised fund) is a ringfenced charitable fund held and managed on a donor’s behalf by OCF. It can be an effective way to carry out your personal or corporate charitable ambitions, without the hassle and administration of creating a formal foundation.

To find out more about OCF visit www.oxfordshire.org