Community Partnership Fund

A long-standing partnership that opens Oxford’s buildings and spaces to the public, including many University sites. In 2025, the programme welcomed over 91,000 visits (a 4% increase on 2024), with around 80% from local communities. Supported through CPF, it enables access to venues that are often closed to the public, with one-third of events delivered in collaboration with the University, creating opportunities for people to explore the city’s heritage and connect directly with its people, places, and research.

Oxford Hoops Basketball is a community club dedicated to providing inclusive, family-oriented opportunities for young people to engage in sport. CPF support has enabled a partnership with the University to expand access to basketball for those who cannot pay, as well as shared use of facilities and coaching support. The collaboration has delivered a joint summer school and broadened participation, particularly for girls, while strengthening pathways into sport, education and community engagement.

The Oxford Hub works in partnership with local organisations to drive inclusive and sustainable growth in the Leys. Through CPF support, the ‘Leys Engine’ website was developed as a digital platform and community information hub, connecting residents, organisations and opportunities. The initiative brings together partners across the University, local government and community groups, strengthening coordination, visibility and long-term impact across one of Oxford’s most active community networks.

A grassroots organisation working across Oxford to address systemic inequalities and support minoritised communities, Oxford Community Action delivers programmes spanning health, education, and community wellbeing. Through CPF support, the University is helping expand access to swimming and cycling for young people in OX4, alongside opportunities to engage families and volunteers. Existing programmes have already supported over 30 families to gain cycling skills and access refurbished bikes, building confidence, mobility and long-term participation.

Oxford City FC is a community-rooted football club in Marston, using sport as a platform for education and local engagement. Through CPF support, the University has contributed to the development of a new multi-purpose education space at the MGroup Stadium, including dedicated classrooms and flexible learning areas. This shared facility has enabled joint delivery of education programmes, creating a sustained University presence in the area and expanding opportunities for young people beyond the pitch.

The Oxfordshire Community Education Group works with communities in Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys to support young people through education, mentorship and community leadership. Through CPF support, the University is helping to develop a targeted youth mentoring scheme connecting young men from the African Caribbean community across OX4 with mentors from the Leys and the wider Oxford network. With training sessions launching this summer, delivery is now underway, aiming to build confidence, strengthen identity, and create pathways into education, employment and leadership.