Katharine House Hospice Trust

Katharine House Hospice Trust, established in 1987 as a charitable company limited by guarantee, is a community-founded hospice dedicated to promoting the holistic welfare of adults with terminal and life-limiting illnesses, focusing exclusively on north Oxfordshire and south Northamptonshire. Its mission centers on enabling patients and families to live fully through compassionate, high-quality palliative and end-of-life care provided free of charge, addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. Core values—compassion, respect, dignity, integrity, quality, transparency, and inclusivity—underpin its personalised, evidence-based approach, evidenced by partnerships with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, rigorous impact reporting, and a 23% rise in care delivery to 1,881 patients and families in 2024.

The Trust funds specialist palliative care initiatives, including inpatient beds, at-home nursing, day hospice, respite, lymphoedema treatment, bereavement support, clinical infrastructure, essential equipment, staff training, innovative outreach, and service expansions that enhance emotional/practical aid for patients from diagnosis to bereavement and their carers. Grants prioritise hospice-led or NHS-partnered projects filling local care gaps, with a track record of supporting refurbishments, equality-focused access, and community education.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding targets the Trust's operations and strategic partners—typically medium/large charities or NHS affiliates with proven palliative expertise in the specified locales—via initial email discussions to [email protected]. Trustee decisions occur quarterly (March, June, September, December) on a reactive basis, with no fixed deadlines or forms. Typical grants range £5,000–£50,000 (up to £100,000 for major capital), excluding unrestricted operating support or external general purposes. Distinctives include deep local roots, transparent governance, and a commitment to continuous improvement through measurable outcomes and stakeholder collaboration.