Thriving in Nature Fund

The Thriving in Nature Fund helps people prosper by engaging with green spaces and the rural environment. It focuses on improving health and wellbeing and nurturing work opportunities by supporting charitable organisations to unite people with nature.

Oxfordshire is filled with stunning countryside, beautiful parks, and rolling farmland. However, the opportunities it offers are not necessarily reaching those most in need. Access to green spaces can be challenging due to lack of transport, knowledge, and safety concerns, especially for vulnerable groups.

Several of the most deprived areas in Oxfordshire face significant challenges with obesity and mental health. Spending time in green spaces can reduce stress, improve physical health, and boost confidence and self-esteem. Our green spaces also provide opportunities for promoting rural skills, training, and employment.

Over the past two years, OCF has awarded over £744k in grants from the fund to 27 different organisations, with a focus on the smallest grassroots charities. These grants have already shown significant impact in community engagement, mental health support, skill development, and infrastructure improvements.

Support for our 2026 grants round

We are confident that we now have a proven and effective model for improving local lives by uniting people with nature. This year we have built a stronger focus on food and farming into the design of the grants, capitalising on Oxfordshire’s rural and agricultural heritage. We have just closed for 2026 applications, with 47 expressions of interest received from a brand-new cohort of charities. With £200k already secured for this year, we are now seeking at least a further £50k to fund as many good applications as possible.

Your support will help more people thrive, nurture a love of nature, and develop the skills needed to steward our world into the future.

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].