This fund is an exciting opportunity for communities to develop activities and projects in their local area that help to achieve the countywide ambition of creating places that “support the people of Oxfordshire to live well in their community, remaining fit and healthy for as long as possible”.

The Connected Communities Fund aims to tackle isolation and loneliness and increase the number of activities available for older people and people with additional needs by encouraging grassroots initiatives to access flexible funding alongside an ongoing package of support.

Projects will be funded up to £5,000 per project.

The funding has been made available by Oxfordshire County Council and will be  delivered to the voluntary and community sector through an innovative new route.

Oxfordshire Community Foundation is also about to launch the Community Capacity grants. These  aim to create the conditions for people to connect with others and thrive, promoting independence and prevention. Resourcing and retaining the community activity developed during the last two years ensures that new infrastructure, connections, and expertise forged through the pandemic are not lost. These grants are funded by Oxfordshire County Council, Adult Social Care, promoting the Oxfordshire Way. Full details: https://oxfordshire.org/ocf_grants/community-capacity-grants/

What kind of projects will be funded?

Examples of projects for the Connected Communities Fund:

• Intergenerational projects that provide fresh opportunities for people to connect with others in the community through, for example, arts, crafts or play
• Opening-up access to green and cultural spaces so that they can be enjoyed and accessed by a wider range of people, such as walking and gardening groups
• Community befriending projects that address social isolation

How to apply (CLOSED TO NEW APPLICATIONS)

Groups and members of the community are encouraged to come forward with their ideas and will have the opportunity to talk through their proposal with the ongoing support and expertise of OCVA and Community First Oxfordshire.

A simple expression of interest form means that getting your community project started is easier than ever. There is no closing date, but applications will close when all funding has been allocated. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) will be considered and groups contacted on a rolling basis.

Webinar recording of 20th October Connected Communities meeting is now up on OCVA’s website: https://ocva.org.uk/2022/10/06/funding-connected-communities-fund/