Council pledges over £500k to community organisations committed to improving district for residents
West Oxfordshire District Council has allocated more than £500,000 of community grant funding, over a 3-year period, to community organisations dedicated to supporting communities and preserving local natural environments.
Cllr Joy Aitman, Executive Member for Stronger Healthy Communities, said:
“We have seen some fantastic projects delivered over the years through our community facilities grants and it is great to see even more coming to the forefront through our new 3-year grants and civic crowdfunding platform, Westhive.
“From projects to protect nature and tackle climate change to projects supporting young people and families, we are delighted to have been able to support a number of local organisations in the important work they deliver across the district.
“We hope that this new approach to community grants gives our communities an opportunity to be more involved in the development of the district, whilst helping us deliver on some of the Council’s key priorities such as building stronger communities, the environment, ecology and climate change.”
The new 3-year agreements form part of the Council’s new community grant scheme. Along with community crowdfunding platform, Westhive, the two schemes will boost community engagement with the district’s development plans.
Three funding categories, known as 'lots,' have been established to address specific targets aligned with the Council Plan, identified through consultation and resident feedback. Each year, £182,000 will be allocated to Lots 1-3, totalling £546,000 over the three-year period.
Organisations were able to apply for the funding lots between October and December last year. The organisations that were successful in their applications will receive up to £25,000 per year of funding to help them deliver on the outcomes of their lot.
More information on community grants can be found on our website.
Contact Information
West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team
Notes to editors
The criteria for the three funding lots are outlined as follows:
- Lot 1 – Improving our natural environment and the access to it, so that we enable physical and mental wellbeing and cohesive, connected communities.
- Lot 2 – Taking action towards the climate and ecological emergencies, so that we reduce carbon footprints and encourage nature recovery.
- Lot 3 - Increasing community resilience and amplifying the voice of the seldom heard, so that we take action on issues most important to our residents and their needs, such as access to food, supporting young people and cultural provision.