Okehampton United Charity

Okehampton United Charity, established in 1873 by consolidating six historic local charities, serves as a cornerstone of philanthropy in Okehampton and its hamlets—Brightley, Southcott, Meldon, and Stockley—delivering broad charitable benefits through prudent stewardship of land endowments and investments. Its mission, rooted in relieving hardship, advancing education, and enhancing community wellbeing, has evolved to include proactive support for civil society, with a 2022 merger of the Okehampton Educational Foundation strengthening its educational focus. Operating almshouses for affordable housing and distributing grants via its United Charity branch, the organisation emphasises sustainable impact, fairness, and local residency, transitioning to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Okehampton Foundation) in 2024 without altering its core purposes.

The charity funds a diverse array of hyper-local initiatives, including capital and revenue support for community facilities, social welfare services, educational advancement (e.g., school allocations, post-16, apprenticeships), recreation, arts, sports, youth projects, crisis relief, and hardship grants. Beneficiaries span registered charities, community groups, academic institutions, unincorporated organisations, and individuals, with examples like Okehampton schools, Tor Support Services counselling, sports clubs, arts initiatives, and allotment associations—prioritising direct benefits to area residents.

Eligible applicants must demonstrate clear local benefit and residency ties, with no income thresholds or religious restrictions; unsolicited applications are welcomed via online forms (separate for groups over £1,500 and individuals in arts/sport/education). Quarterly trustee meetings review submissions (e.g., 2025 deadlines: 6 Jan, 3 Feb), requiring 3+ months for decisions. Typical grants range £1,500–£35,000 (most £2,000–£15,000; individuals under £1,500), rarely covering 100% of projects or exceeding £35,000. Distinctive for its place-based generalism, land management (allotments, pathways), and blend of institutional sustainment with crisis response, it stands as a foundational, multi-thematic supporter of Okehampton's grassroots ecosystem.