The Didcot Powerhouse Fund is inviting community organisations to apply for 2025 grants from Monday, 02 December, and has shared some useful information about the next steps and grant criteria on its website.
The theme for this year’s grants is “Local support for those who need it most.”
To date, Powerhouse has funded 56 grants totalling almost £300,000 to charity and community groups in and around Didcot via grant recipients delivering essential support services to the local population.
Over a 3-year period, grants have been channelled into diverse organisations, improving the lives of local people across all stages of life and degrees of personal need.
Elizabeth Paris DL, Chair of Powerhouse, said: “It’s inspiring to hear from our grant recipients how Powerhouse funding has enabled them to help individuals overcome personal barriers which can be physical, mental or both. We are grateful for all the support we have received from our donors and community fundraisers to be able to achieve this.”
Kath Goldsby-West, CEO of Didcot Baby Monday, said: “We are very grateful to have received grants in all three years that the Powerhouse Fund has been running.
“This funding has been vital in enabling us to increase our skills and capacity, so we can provide expectant and new parents in the area with more support, helping them navigate the challenges of early parenthood, connect with each other, and get off to a positive and confident start”.
Steve James, Co-Founder of The Cornermen, said: “Our grants have been directed towards helping men going through periods of emotional or mental health distress, with many also experiencing suicidal ideations.
“We have seen an increase in demand for our service, which offers 1-2-1 support but also group activities. Receiving the two grants from Powerhouse has been a huge help to ensure we can keep offering our vital service to local men.”
Croft Associates Ltd, a new Powerhouse donor in 2024, has already extended its involvement with Powerhouse.
Abbie Johnson, Project Assistant, said: “We are keen to donate our voluntary expertise to Powerhouse grant recipients as well as our money as we understand what a power for good these organisations are. What they often lack is the regular, practical support that trusted volunteers can provide.”
Grant applications open on Monday, 02 December 2024, via The Didcot Powerhouse Fund website.
There is a handy Oxfordshire Community Foundation webinar from 1.00pm to 2.00pm on Monday, 09 December to provide prospective applicants with more information about the process.
Anyone wishing to donate, fundraise or help The Didcot Powerhouse Fund can get in touch via the Didcot Powerhouse website.
