Not-for-profit organisations and local community groups are preparing to receive support through fresh financial backing.

Blenheim Palace has unveiled its 2026 Blenheim Bursary initiative, offering £40,000 in funding assistance to charitable bodies and grassroots organisations based in surrounding villages.

Successful applicants can obtain awards ranging from £100 to £5,000, with eligibility extending to groups operating in Bladon, Cassington, Long Hanborough, Church Hanborough, Freeland, North Leigh, Combe, Stonesfield, Wootton, Yarnton, Begbroke, Woodstock, and Charlbury.

Merilyn Davies, director of community engagement at Blenheim Palace, stated that sharing available resources with nearby communities represents an honour, and the bursary programme forms part of this commitment.

She added that organisers anticipate these contributions will assist essential community initiatives throughout the upcoming year while also fostering long-term connections with local residents.

The bursary scheme forms part of Blenheim’s continued dedication to supporting adjacent communities by distributing advantages derived from its achievements.

Funding preferences are given to proposals focusing on heritage conservation, learning and skills development, physical infrastructure improvements, and community health and welfare.

The previous year’s programme provided financing for diverse projects, including an open-air learning facility in Yarnton, sensory resources for a specialist educational needs establishment in Witney, coaching qualifications for an amateur athletics group in Woodstock, assistance for a community transport service in Freeland, and meal preparation expenses for a daytime support centre for adults in Long Hanborough.

Submissions will be accepted until the end of April.