Building a sustainable organisation is about more than applying for grants.
Strong organisations develop a mix of income sources, understand their community needs, plan ahead financially and build strong organisational foundations.
At OCVA we provide guidance, signposting and practical resources to help organisations across Oxfordshire become more funding ready, explore income options and build long-term sustainability.
Whether you are applying for funding for the first time, reviewing your income or planning your next stage of growth, we can help.
Before applying for funding or approaching supporters, it is important to make sure your organisation has the right foundations in place.
Use our Funding Ready Checklist
Our checklist helps you review whether your organisation is ready to apply for funding and highlights areas funders commonly look for.
A fundraising strategy helps you plan how your organisation will fund its work now and in the future.
It can help you:
Need tips on creating your own fundraising strategy? Book a free 1-2-1 advice session at a time that suits you
Relying on one source of income can put your organisation at risk if that funding changes or ends. Building a mix of income streams can help you plan with more confidence, reduce financial pressure and create a more sustainable future.
Grant funding can still play an important role in supporting projects, services and community activity.
One great way of finding funding suitable for your organisation is via online funding directories. Funding directories are online search databases that are used to search for grant opportunities using keywords to identify the most suitable ones for an organisation or project. Read our guide.
OCVA members receive FREE Funding Searches, helping you save time and identify suitable opportunities more efficiently. View our Membership Benefits to find out more.
We also publish upcoming grant and funding opportunities.
Fundraising is vital for charitable organisations, helping them sustain their work and create positive change. Good fundraising also builds trust by being transparent, accountable and carried out in line with relevant legislation, regulation and good practice.
The Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice sets the standards that apply to charitable fundraising across the UK.
Organisations should consider areas such as:
Strong governance helps protect your organisation, supports good decision-making and builds confidence with the people and communities you work with.
Find out more
Need More Support?
If you would like to talk through funding readiness, income options or your next steps, you can also book a support conversation.