GrantRadar

Oxfordshire Community Foundation

Step Change Fund

Grants of £10,000 to £50,000 from Oxfordshire Community Foundation for established Oxfordshire charities and community organisations to deliver a project that enables a 'step change' in their capacity, cost-effectiveness or sustainability, rather than business as usual. Aimed at organisations with turnover of £100,000 to £1 million. Each grant comes with a volunteer project manager experienced in business strategy or management to help develop and deliver the plan.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
£10,000 – £50,000
Closes in
12 days left
30 October
Effort
Heavy
budgets, references, often several stages

Who can apply

  • Registered charities, CICs, companies limited by guarantee, unincorporated clubs or associations, community benefit societies and CIOs with annual turnover between £100,000 and £1,000,000
  • At least 80% of beneficiaries must be in Oxfordshire
  • Organisations must have operated for at least three years, have at least three unrelated trustees or committee members, strong and stable leadership, a bank account in the organisation's name with two or more unrelated signatories open for at least three months, and at least three months' running costs in reserves
  • Must be open to all regardless of religion or politics, with no proselytising
  • The grant will not normally exceed 30% of the applicant's annual income

What it funds

A project that will enable a step change in the organisation through increased capacity, cost-effectiveness or improved sustainability, with:

  • Substantial benefit to Oxfordshire residents facing disadvantage
  • A realistic plan to increase reach, impact and long-term resilience

Relevant core cost elements (including a justified contribution to existing staff and running costs) can be included.

Expenditure can be planned over a year or more.

What it will not fund

  • Core funding to continue existing services
  • Purchase of buses or other vehicles
  • Projects where costs have already been incurred or committed
  • National charities or financially integrated branches of them
  • Public bodies or statutory organisations
  • Animal welfare charities
  • Individuals
  • Organisations rejected for a Step Change grant within the last 12 months

How to apply

  1. Complete the online Eligibility Questionnaire
  2. If eligible, complete the Expression of Interest form
  3. If invited to proceed, complete the Detailed Bid form by the closing date (midday)
  4. Applications are considered at the Step Change panel meeting following the closing date

Read the 'Top tips' guidance first; if the project costs more than the grant, show how other funding has been secured, and explain why large free reserves are not being used

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