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.
National research shows millions are going without essentials, and those on the lowest incomes will be poorer in 2029 than today (Resolution Foundation; JRF). In Oxfordshire, general affluence hides deep inequality: 17 neighbourhoods in the county rank among the most deprived nationally (Oxfordshire County Council), and demand for advice and emergency support has surged across the county (Citizens Advice). A recent survey found 30% of East Oxford residents can’t cover rent and half can’t afford healthy food – many would go hungry without local help (HealthWatch Oxfordshire).
OCF's Living Essentials Fund makes 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 fund charitable organisations that are helping people now with issues such as homelessness, food insecurity and warmth, as well as debt advice. Each year we award a new round of funding that delivers the following outcomes:
- Basic services for those in crisis to prevent them slipping into greater need
- Schemes that improve home comfort and efficiency and address housing insecurity
- Support for community resilience, including mitigating summer heat or autumn/winter cold
- Preventative solutions that help individuals build financial stability.
In early 2025, we awarded 33 grants totalling £270k to charitable organisations and groups across Oxfordshire. This was thanks to a collective approach that brought in funds from Oxfordshire County Council's Household Support Fund, several other local grant-making foundations, and generous local businesses and individuals. Read the full story here.
Our next round of grants will be paid in Jaunary 2026. OCF has secured just over £200k for this round of grants, but we know that there is huge demand from our network of small charities and community groups. Our grants will prioritise the smallest organisations working at a neighbourhood level, run by people who have the trust of those most in need. They are the beating heart of our communities and deserve our support.
Please give what you can to support people to have better lives across our county.
For donations over £500, we would love to have a conversation with you! Please contact OCF's Deputy Chief Executive Kate Parrinder at [email protected].
