Applications will soon open for a fund set up to tackle inequality and deprivation in Didcot.
The Didcot Powerhouse Fund has a theme of creating stronger community bonds for 2024.
Grant recipients are expected to address local challenges including social isolation and mental health problems.
They should aim for a cohesive, resilient community that encourages growth for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
The grant application link will be accessible on the website from December 1.
The Didcot Powerhouse, now in its third funding year, has raised a significant £270,000 since its inception.
This has led to 35 grants given to local charities and community groups, summing up to £175,000 for 2022 and 2023.
The funds have reportedly benefited 2,880 people living in and around Didcot, with a minimum of 90 per cent of the grant money being used for them.
The projects funded have covered diverse areas, including education, mental and physical health, personal development, and helping individuals get a better start in life.
Matt Wright, chief executive of Hachette UK Distribution in Milton Park said: “We are delighted to be able to double our contribution to the Didcot Powerhouse Fund this year, having been a founding donor.
“The fund does an amazing job of ensuring the contributions go to deserving, local causes.
“It is run extremely professionally and provides brilliant communication back to donors.
“In our case I can share this with all of our staff who help to raise the funds.
“Seeing the local impact is incredibly motivating for everyone in our business, and we hope to do more in the future.”
Elizabeth Paris, chairwoman of Didcot Powerhouse said: “We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved in a relatively short space of time and are hugely thankful to our business donors, community fundraisers, grant recipients and the voluntary Powerhouse team who collectively drive us forward.
“Together we have made a fantastic team and our efforts are helping to positively turn lives around.”
This year, a new initiative was developed, the ‘Powerhouse Pathway’.
This pilot project in partnership with Didcot charity SOFEA aims at addressing the needs of 16-18 year olds who might decide not to pursue college education.
This programme offers a one-year contract wherein young participants work for three days per week for a local employer on a minimum wage and engage in employability skills training with SOFEA for the remaining two days.
SOFEA also offers mentorship to assist in mitigating any challenges these young individuals might face.
The Didcot Powerhouse Fund encourages anyone interested to donate, fundraise or support its cause.
