Special Interest Programme
Supporting a diverse range of partners around the world, reflecting the interests of Oak’s Trustees
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Special Interest Programme
Finding the golden hour: New York communities unite to build safer futures
Kings Against Violence Initiative (KAVI) works with young people in Brooklyn, New York, to create safer, more supportive communities.
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Helping young artists reach the global stage
The Jette Parker Artists Programme offers exceptional artists from around the world mentorship and coaching at the Royal Ballet and Opera in London.
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
100,000 Steps Toward Ending Clubfoot
MiracleFeet is on a mission to ensure that no child experiences the pain and stigma of clubfoot, and remains dedicated to its goal of ensuring that every child born with this treatable disability has access to the care they need to thrive.
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
A voice for wildlife in North Carolina
North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) is a not-for-profit organisation that works to protect, conserve, and restore North Carolina wildlife and habitats for all. From the mountains to the coast, it helps native species return to the landscape.
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
A new pathway to better jobs, made in Durham
Made in Durham connects young people to careers in the life sciences. Find out more about its community partnership model!
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Hope in the vaults at the ‘world’s richest bank’
Beneath the English countryside in the heart of Sussex lies an incredible bank – but the type that may come to mind as you read this is not the one we mean. In sub-zero chambers, in flood-, bomb-, and radiation-proof vaults, 2.4 billion seeds, coll
Overview
Driven by the interests and passions of Oak’s Trustees, the Special Interest Programme provides the space and flexibility to make grants outside of Oak’s other programme strategies. Special Interest grants are diverse, supporting grantees in a wide range of fields including medical research, education, environment, humanitarian relief, mental health, the arts, and much more.
Trustees support inspiring leaders, organisations, and projects from the local to global level, helping them to thrive and succeed in their missions. Our grants are usually multi-year. We provide: core support (i.e., flexible and unrestricted funding); project support; and support to strengthen organisations to become more resilient and effective.
Where we fund
The Special Interest Programme makes grants globally.
Requests for support: letters of enquiry
We are open to receiving requests for support through our letters of enquiry form online; however, please be aware that the Special Interest Programme is Trustee-driven and due to the volume of requests we receive, they are rarely able to accept unsolicited requests for funding.
Discover our partner stories
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Helpforce volunteers make a difference: the heart behind healthcare
At 16, Freya stepped into a hospital as a volunteer. Today, she’s a paramedic. Her journey is just one example of how volunteers are transforming healthcare across the UK – supporting patients, ea…
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
The local networks feeding North Carolina communities from the ground up
In North Carolina, Resourceful Communities is working to strengthen local food systems by supporting farmers and fostering community resilience. It does this by helping residents grow fresh, locally-a…
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Trussell: reshaping the conversation on hunger
Trussell is a foodbank that supports a community of more than 1,400 locations across the UK, where almost 40,000 volunteers offer emergency food with compassion, advice, and practical support….
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Opening campus doors: turning college dreams into real life possibilities
HEELS 2 Transition, based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience an inclusive and meaningful college life. T…
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Food for the heart: Beloved Asheville connections and culture
In Asheville, North Carolina, BeLoved Asheville is nourishing the community through food and connection – from Mama’s Kitchen meals to fresh‑produce markets. After Hurricane Helene, its team mobil…
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Helping to keep kids in class: Telehealth in Guilford County Schools
Healthcare doesn’t usually begin in a classroom – but for many working families in Guilford County, North Carolina, when it does, that’s where it often ends. This is thanks to a telehealth progr…
Would you like to read more stories like this? Please visit our “Stories” page.
Watch our latest videos
In North Carolina, Resourceful Communities is working to strengthen local food systems by supporting farmers and fostering community resilience. It does this by helping residents grow fresh, locally-available produce, while building skills in organic and regenerative farming.
In North Carolina, eight acres of farmland provide opportunties for refugee communities to access land, education, and new opportunities. Called the Transplanting Traditions Community Farm, this is a powerful cultural space for elders to recreate home, and the next generation to rediscover their roots through mentorship and training.
HEELS 2 Transition, based at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience an inclusive and meaningful college life. Through tailored programmes, participants learn everyday skills, build confidence, and become more independent – by living in UNC dorms, making friends, and taking classes.
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