Community initiatives across Oxfordshire were awarded grants by social landlord Soha in the last year.
In all, 40 applicants received funding. The projects were wide-ranging, including a pop-up community cafe being able to welcome guests at no cost for eight months, and training for Family Centre workers to run tailored summer holiday activities. For some initiatives, it was Soha Community Fund cash that was the seed to develop large-scale projects, such as a Community Interest Company in Wallingford.
Among the one-off events to benefit were a rural school PTA’s inclusive alternative to a fireworks display for the village and a cricket club’s family fun day that was able to offer fully staffed children’s activities entirely free.
Equipment purchases were made possible for a church organising a two-week summer club and a community kitchen which was able to expand its menu thanks to new kit. A foodbank facing a winter reduction in donations was able to keep up with demand, while a face-to-face advice service and a one-to-one reading scheme in a primary school also benefited – each of these initiatives a lifeline in their communities.
The Soha Community Fund also supported two Soha residents to access education and training to develop their skills and enhance their employment prospects.
The Fund opens again to applications from anywhere in Soha’s operating area – not just Oxfordshire – on 1 April 2026. Requests are reviewed monthly by a panel of residents and staff.
Find out more on this site at www.soha.co.uk/soha-community-fund/