The Funding Recipe

Maymessy is a Community Interest Company (CIC), which means all income is reinvested to support our community-focused programmes.

How we operate

Maymessy is a Community Interest Company (CIC), which means we are a not-for-profit social enterprise. Any income we generate is reinvested into our social mission, supporting people who are facing disadvantage or hardship.

In 2025, we are seeking support to help us continue our core programmes, including:

  • Cookery classes for financially vulnerable families.

  • A book in partnership with Project Salama, a charity supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

Who support us.

We are incredibly grateful to the funders, individuals, and organisations who make our work possible. Recent supporters include:

  • Oxfordshire Community Foundation

  • OCVA / Oxfordshire County Council

  • The Bransford Charitable Trust

  • The Swire Charitable Trust

  • Juice – A Better Creative Agency

  • National Lottery Awards for All

  • Tesco (via Groundworks)

  • Directors

Recognition and impact

Maymessy is a proud member of Social Enterprise UK. Over the years, we’ve been recognised for our impact and contribution to the community through several national and regional awards, including:

  • Finalist – Vale for Business Award for Social Responsibility

  • WISE100 – our founder, Anna Richards, was named among the UK’s leading women in social enterprise

  • Recognised as a ‘Volunteer Hero’ by David Johnston MP for supporting NHS staff during COVID-19

  • Finalist – UK Social Entrepreneur Index (2020 and 2022)

  • Recipient – Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister’s Office (2021)

  • Invited to 10 Downing Street for International Women’s Day (2023)

  • Winner – Inspiration Award from the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers (2024)

Our partnership with Bransford Charitable Trust

We are also proud to have an ongoing partnership with Bransford Charitable Trust

Make a donation

Donations directly fund our workshops and events.

For example:

  • £60 covers the food costs for one participant at a cookery camp

  • Our sessions typically support 10 people at a time, making your contribution go a long way