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 / Partner story
From craft to community: building sustainable futures through hand crafts
For artisans, craft is more than a livelihood. Nest helps entrepreneurs in the US grow thriving businesses and supports crafters across five continents through training, resources, and markets. By strengthening livelihoods, this helps sustain communi
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Nature, love, and walruses for the Horniman Museum and Gardens’ 125th anniversary
For 125 years, the Horniman Museum and Gardens has been bringing the world to southeast London. Now, its Nature + Love project is opening up exciting spaces for children, families and communities to explore wildlife, learn about sustainability, and e
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Where the city meets the tide: The comeback of Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront
Just a few decades ago, Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront was polluted, noisy, and cut off from public life. Today, it’s home to returning wildlife, outdoor classrooms, volunteers restoring habitats, and millions of New Yorkers enjoying nature
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Confidence from community: coaching success at Durham Tech
At Durham Tech, North Carolina, success starts with people. Through its Success Coaching programme, dedicated coaches help students turn their ambitions into clear, achievable pathways. From tailored guidance and community connections right through t
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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, easing pressure on NHS staff, and even shaping futur
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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-available produce, while building skills in organic
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 grantee stories
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Special Interest Programme / Partner story
From craft to community: building sustainable futures through hand crafts
For artisans, craft is more than a livelihood. Nest helps entrepreneurs in the US grow thriving businesses and supports crafters across five continents through training, resources, and markets. By str…
-
Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Nature, love, and walruses for the Horniman Museum and Gardens’ 125th anniversary
For 125 years, the Horniman Museum and Gardens has been bringing the world to southeast London. Now, its Nature + Love project is opening up exciting spaces for children, families and communities to e…
-
Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Where the city meets the tide: The comeback of Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront
Just a few decades ago, Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront was polluted, noisy, and cut off from public life. Today, it’s home to returning wildlife, outdoor classrooms, volunteers restoring habi…
-
Special Interest Programme / Partner story
Confidence from community: coaching success at Durham Tech
At Durham Tech, North Carolina, success starts with people. Through its Success Coaching programme, dedicated coaches help students turn their ambitions into clear, achievable pathways. From tailored…
-
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…
-
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…
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.
Just a few decades ago, Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront was polluted, noisy, and cut off from public life. Today, thanks to the work of Hudson River Park Friends, it’s home to returning wildlife, outdoor classrooms, volunteers restoring habitats, and millions of New Yorkers enjoying nature on their doorstep.
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.
Would you like to see more videos? Please visit our YouTube channel.