A ‘boosted’ pot of funding launches this week for community projects in South Oxfordshire. 

More money has been made available for South Oxfordshire District Council members to award to community projects through the Councillor Community Grant Scheme. 

Previously council members had £5,000 to award community and voluntary organisations in their wards, but this has been increased to £7,500 which was approved earlier this year. 

The grant scheme launched on Monday 18th August and is open to not-for-profit community organisations whose primary purpose is to benefit the residents of South Oxfordshire this includes town and parish councils. 

Organisations can apply for grants from £250 up to a maximum of £7,500 from each councillor (budget permitting). For wards with multiple councillors, applications may be considered by all ward members together to determine funding, and organisations can apply to multiple councillors/ wards should their project benefit a wider area. 

Previous organisations that have been awarded funding through this grant include:

• New rowing blades for Wallingford Rowing Club 
• Solar panels for the roof of the Players Theatre in Thame 
• Supporting a new community orchard in Cuddesdon and Denton 

Jenny Welham from Dorchester Parish Council, who used their funding for a refurbishment of their basketball court said: “Many of the teenagers who live in the village are now enjoying proper games and this has encouraged more outdoor activity and exercise.” 

Cllr Georgina Heritage, Cabinet Member for Communities at South Oxfordshire District Council said: “This grant is a great opportunity for our councillors to directly support community projects in their area. 

“We’re very proud to have the ability to use this funding to support the projects that we see making a difference to the people and places we see and work alongside every day. 

“I encourage all community and voluntary organisations in the district to contact their ward councillor and tell them about their projects and the benefit that additional funding will make.” 

The council is particularly keen to hear from projects that have a big impact for residents, such as activities that protect and restore our natural world, promote action on the climate emergency and improve economic and community well-being. 

The Councillor Community Grant Scheme closes at midday on the 5th December. Organisations will hear if they have been successful from February next year. 

This isn’t the only grant from South Oxfordshire District Council that has had a boost this year, council members also approved an increase in funding for the 2025–2027 Revenue Grant recipients. An additional £521,000 has been added to the two-year funding bringing the total to £1,188,951, which will be used to support 17 organisations across the district over the next two years. 

More details about the grant can be found on the South Oxfordshire District Council website.