Join us to help disadvantaged people in Oxfordshire this winter

Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) have launched an appeal to raise £60,000 towards its Living Essentials Fund. The Living Essentials Fund will help the most disadvantaged people in our county who are struggling to afford the basics – housing, food and warmth. Grants will be made to grassroots charitable organisations across Oxfordshire working to support them this winter.

OCF’s recent research report, Oxfordshire Uncovered, highlighted the ongoing need for support with life’s basics. Whilst the cost-of-living crisis may have eased for some, those that are just making ends meet continue to sit on the precipice of homelessness, food insecurity and fuel poverty. For too many people, life is a case of surviving rather than thriving.

Research shows that:

• On average Oxford residents spend 50% of their income on rent, versus the national average of 31%
• Oxford residents spend even more of their income on rent than those in London
• There were 2,091 homeless households in Oxfordshire in 2024
• Energy bills are now 49% higher than in 2020/21
• Energy bills are expected to increase by 9% in October 2024 (BBC News, 2024)

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.

Zoe Sprigings, Chief Executive at OCF said: “Our Oxfordshire Uncovered report highlighted the needs in our county and this insight is shaping our grant-making. Our Living Essentials Fund will help the most vulnerable people in Oxfordshire to have firmer foundations for life.”

Crucially, Oxfordshire has a precious network of grassroots organisations that are doing essential work to help people stay afloat. Grants to these organisations will deliver help where it is needed most, supporting the smallest charities to continue their critical work.  The focus will be on providing housing support, food and warm spaces. In addition, debt advice and access to support services will help to build longer-term resilience for the most vulnerable people.

Claire Hughes, Head of Grants and Inclusion at OCF said: “The charities we work with are telling us that people are still feeling the impact of the increased cost of living. Families are facing debt that has built up and are still struggling to cope with soaring costs. Real wages have not yet caught up with the higher costs of energy and food bills, and support from charitable organisations is an absolute lifeline for them right now.”

OCF is aiming to raise a minimum of £150,000 for a round of Living Essentials funding to be delivered before Christmas. Having already raised £90,000 through our generous donors and funding partners, we are now asking for help to raise at least a further £60,000 to support charitable organisations with grants. Local individuals, businesses, colleges and trusts are encouraged to join the power of the collective, having a greater impact by working together.

Could you or your organisation help us to reach or smash our £150,000 target by donating to our Living Essentials Fund?

Find out more and donate today.