“You should focus. You can't change the whole world, but you might want to focus on one little piece of the world that you can change, and I think if you put a lot of time and energy into that one thing, you're going to be much more effective.”

“I’ve lived in Oxfordshire for many years, and feel I’ve benefited greatly from being in such a thriving and interesting place. Leaving a legacy to OCF in my will is my way of repaying this – and I also trust that they will understand exactly where funds are needed in years to come. Having seen small voluntary sector groups come and go, I find this longevity very reassuring.”

“It is so uplifting to meet so many people blessed with generous hearts and a deep sense of community.”

“I would never have known about many of the causes I’ve helped if the community foundation hadn’t told me about them. They are doing vital work and they need our support.”

“I really appreciate your work on what for my parents is such an important project. I am glad that the fund has been developing so positively and swiftly.”

“Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

“Many thanks indeed. This sum will make a significant difference to the project. We appreciate enormously the support for Falcon from OCF and from Comic Relief. Please pass on our thanks and best wishes to your colleagues.”

“The huge satisfaction to be gained from spending one’s time in giving in your later years far outweighs any pleasures that you can possibly gain on the golf course, on the beach or on the back of the yacht in the Mediterranean sipping martinis.”

“The overriding aim of LYP is to bring hope for the future to young people, some of whom have given up on expecting anything positive out of life.”

“A BIG THANK YOU to the community foundation for your support. The valuable work and support the foundation provides to many organisations and groups is fundamental to the delivery of vital services supporting vulnerable families, children , young people... Your support for our project is very much valued and appreciated.”

“We have been supported by your organisation since I started the club 22 years ago. You have helped us in hard times, keeping the kids on the straight and narrow. I would like to thank you for all your support - without groups like you we would struggle to survive.”

“It’s so good to think about the bigger picture aside from the week working at the coalface. It keeps me focused about what messages we needed to get across about ourselves as a charity.”