Empowering Refugee Self-Reliance: Ockenden Grant Opportunity

For over 70 years, Ockenden International has provided vital support to refugees and displaced people worldwide. Established in 1951, the organization honours its founder, Joyce Pearce, through its various initiatives. One of its notable contributions is the Ockenden International Prize, which launched in 2012, as well as the three-year Refugee Studies Fellowship at Oxford University. Ockenden’s mission is rooted in advancing self-reliance for refugees and displaced populations by promoting projects that improve their quality of life. The organization recognizes the importance of local, community-led approaches and supports projects globally. Since 2013, GBP875,000 in prizes has been awarded to projects that help refugees become self-sufficient, reaffirming Ockenden’s commitment to empowering displaced people.

Ockenden International’s 2025 prizes will reward projects and programs that foster self-reliance for refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and asylum-seekers. With five awards of GBP25,000 each, the prizes will support outstanding initiatives that directly enhance self-sufficiency in displaced populations. One of these awards will be dedicated to a UK-based project focused on refugees and asylum-seekers. The grants are unrestricted, allowing winning organizations to allocate funds based on their needs. Ockenden prioritizes projects with measurable evidence of positive outcomes and sound financial management. The prize reflects Ockenden’s mission to empower refugees to live with dignity, emphasizing locally-based, refugee-led, and cost-efficient projects.