Fundraising and Communications Team

Following a period of instability and staff turnover that led to declining income, a new Fundraising and Communications team at Homeless Oxfordshire came together in 2023 with a clear goal: to rebuild trust, relationships and infrastructure in order to secure sustainable, diversified income and reach a fundraising target of £750,000 by 2027. Through reconnecting with lapsed donors, strengthening stewardship, building robust pipelines and developing meaningful partnerships across trusts, corporates, community and individual giving, the team has delivered transformational results, finishing 2025/26 on £1,108,366, exceeding the target by £358,366 a full year early.

Strong internal relationships have been central to this success. By working closely with frontline colleagues, the team has sourced authentic stories and case studies that resonate with funders and challenge stereotypes around homelessness. A re energised marketing and communications function has raised the charity’s profile, strengthened public trust and increased engagement through bold, consistent messaging centred on lived experience and impact. This integrated approach has shifted fundraising from being transactional to relational, strategic and sustainable.

The team operates in a highly competitive funding environment, intensified by the cost of living crisis and the stigma often associated with homelessness and addiction. Despite this, they have delivered exceptional growth across all income streams, increasing net income by 356% in three years and generating over £1.60 in net income for every £1 invested.