Museum of Oxford Development Trust

The Museum of Oxford Development Trust, established in July 2017 by trustees including Robert Price and Christine Simm, is a charity dedicated to advancing education by raising funds for the Museum of Oxford (MOx), ensuring its sustainability, growth, and role as a vital cultural hub. With core values of education, community involvement, inclusivity, diversity, and heritage preservation, the Trust partners closely with Oxford City Council to support the museum's operations, fostering accessible exhibitions, learning programmes, and public participation that celebrate Oxford's multifaceted history.

It exclusively funds MOx-led initiatives, including capital redevelopment (e.g., recent refurbishments tripling exhibit space), educational outreach, community workshops like Hidden Histories, exhibitions, and engagement events targeting Oxford residents, schoolchildren, families, older adults, and diverse groups. Priorities emphasise accessibility, public impact, and the museum as an educational and social space.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding decisions are internal, with grants channelled directly to Oxford City Council for MOx projects—no core funding, unrestricted grants, or support for external charities. Eligible activities must be Oxford-based, museum-initiated, or via partnerships where external groups collaborate under MOx leadership. Grant sizes vary, from smaller community sums to over £100,000 for major projects, with no published ranges, deadlines, or cycles.

Distinctively, the Trust does not fund beyond Oxford, other museums, or independent entities, setting it apart through its singular, laser-focused commitment to MOx's mission amid broader heritage funders. Charities should pursue MOx partnerships for indirect access.