Oxford United in the Community has received a £1,000 boost from a national housebuilder.
The charity was selected to receive the funding through the Persimmon Homes Building Futures scheme, which aims to support community groups working with under-18s.
The funding will help stem large income losses incurred due to the Covid-19 crisis, as well as helping the charity to continue to support young people in some of the most disadvantaged parts of Oxfordshire.
Chris Lowes, Head of Oxford United in The Community, said: “Our vision is a county in which every child and young person knows they matter and realises their potential.
“Like many charities, Covid-19 has had a huge impact on us financially, so this funding couldn’t have come at a better time for us.”
As part of a newly developed strategy, Oxford United in the Community is building on its pedigree of working with primary age children to establish itself in a more youth work focused space, to engage with young people across Oxfordshire, increasing the social impact of the charity.
Building Futures will see £1million given away across Britain to regional charities, groups, sports clubs and schools to improve local facilities and the delivery of vital community projects across three categories – education & arts, health and sport.
In addition to hundreds of local donations of £1,000, 96 initiatives will go on to compete for top prizes of £100,000 through a national online public vote with the overall winners announced in October.
Pauline Fletcher, sales and marketing director of Persimmon Homes Wessex, said: “We are so proud of the difference our Building Futures scheme can make to the grassroots organisations working every day within our local communities.”
In each sector – education & arts, health and sport – as well as a £100,000 first prize, there will be a £50,000 second prize and a £20,000 third prize, while a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.