Having a place to call home, which is warm and with readily available food, is something many of us take for granted. Yet for the most vulnerable in our county this may be unaffordable. Food insecurity, keeping warm and having stable housing continue to be a huge challenge for some Oxfordshire residents.

We are dedicated to raising awareness and funds around this issue. Could you or your business join us in stepping up to this challenge?

Although the cost-of-living crisis has eased for some, the lack of affordability of other essentials such as fuel and food is still affecting many households, adding to the squeeze on household finances. Energy bills are expected to increase by 9% in October 2024 (BBC News, 2024), whilst alongside this Oxford residents spend even more of their income on rent than those in London. Those on the lowest incomes are also burdened with historic debt, eating into savings and putting them at risk of homelessness, affecting children and families.

The Living Essentials Fund will make grants to grassroots charitable organisations working to help the most disadvantaged in our county who are struggling to afford the basics for living a stable and safe life. We will fund practical support that enables people to survive in the short term, alongside preventative solutions for them to thrive in the long term. The grants round will open in autumn 2024 to support charitable groups through the critical winter months.

Grants to these organisations will deliver help where it is needed most, supporting the smallest charities to continue their critical work. OCF believes that by investing in the smallest organisations, many of which are run by volunteers and have no capacity for their own fundraising, we will be making the biggest impact with the funds we have available.

Our goal is to raise at least £60,000 to add to the £90,000 which has already been raised through our generous donors and other funding partners. By working together and pooling funds we are all able to have a bigger impact together.