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Over £1.5M grants funding available for community organisations 

Published 25 February 2026

Community groups and non-profit organisations in South Oxfordshire will be able to apply for grants totalling £1.5M over the next year. 

South Oxfordshire District Council confirmed the £1,550,000 community grants funding in their budget announcements on the 12 February. This will be available via a range of grant schemes that will give a financial boost to projects that improve community facilities, enhance the health and wellbeing of residents and support the fight against climate change across the district.  

The schemes coming up this year and their provisional launch dates are as follows: 

  • Everyone Active Grant: £50,000 launches 30 March – for projects that improve the health and wellbeing of residents 
  • Capital Grant Scheme: £320,000 launches 1 June – for projects such as play areas, community and sports facilities, and sustainability projects 
  • Performing Arts Grant Scheme: £60,000 launches 20 July – designed to enhance the cultural landscape and support local performing arts groups 
  • Councillor Community Grant Scheme: £270,000 launches 17 August – for projects and activities that offer community benefits including sports equipment, trees for community orchards, events for the elderly  
  • Climate Action Fund: £100,000 launches 28 September – aimed at projects that help to tackle climate change and nature recovery. 
  • Community Infrastructure Levy Grant: £750,000 launches 15 February 2027 – for organisations to deliver infrastructure for their community 

There are a number of opportunities for organisations to find out more about the grants available and the criteria for applications, at events taking place across the district over the coming months. Grants officers from South Oxfordshire District Council will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice: 

  • Connecting Local Action – climate and sustainability event: 5 March Thame Barns – midday to 2.30pm 
  • Didcot Garden Town Community Update Meeting: 18 March 5-7.30pm 
  • Partnership event with OCVA and Oxfordshire Community Foundation: 15 April District Community Centre in Didcot 11am – 4pm and 6 May Holton Village Hall 12.15 until 6pm 

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “It was very important to us as a council that as part of this year’s budget we were able to continue to support community and non-profit organisations across the district and putting people first. These groups carry out vital work to support the vulnerable and most in need in South Oxfordshire and on projects that help our natural environment to thrive. 

“I urge all organisations eligible to take a look at what is available and apply as soon as the grants are opened. Our Community Enablement team are always on hand to answer any questions or to give support with your application so do get in touch with them too.” 

The first grant to launch will be the Everyone Active Grant. This scheme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of residents and provide high quality active opportunities for communities. The grant will open for applications in March with more details about who is eligible and how they can apply coming very soon. 

Information about the drop-in events and the grants can be found on the council website southoxon.gov.uk/grants. Places are limited so there is a booking form on our website where organisations can advise which session(s) they wish to attend.  

Organisations can also contact the Community Enablement team by emailing grants@southandvale.gov.uk if they would like an initial discussion.