Funding opportunities
There are potentially four different pathways for churches to explore funding opportunities: Synod, Mersey Synod (Province) Trusts, URC London or external bodies. This page gives a brief overview of each for you to start exploring ways to get your project funded
Synod Grants
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Synod Mission Fund
Synod invites churches to apply for funding for a mission project. Click on the link to find out more and to download guidance and an application form. There are also some examples of projects that have already been funded to give you ideas
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Discipleship Development Fund (small)
Discipleship Development Fund (DDF) is designed for lay people to develop and deepen their discipleship journey. Synod manages a small grant scheme (individual grants up to £200), click on the link to find out more. Larger grants are available from URC London (see below).
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Large Project Panel
Synod has created a Large Project Panel (LPP) which considers financial support to projects of any type (buildings and people) with a value over £75,000 and multiple years. Click on the link below to find out more
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Property
Follow the link below to find out more on how Synod supports you in looking after your church buildings and grounds
Province Charitable Trusts
The URC (Mersey Province) Trust Limited is a separate company to Mersey Synod and holds the property and funds of local churches. The URC (MP) Trust is trustee of the charities below and is responsible for distributing each charity’s funds in accordance with the individual Trusts’ charitable objectives.
These charities have been established through historical gifts and legacies, primarily for the purposes of supporting churches in the Mersey Synod area. Please see the individual Trust description for further details of what type of activity they support and how to apply for funding
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Joseph and Ruth Evans Trust
The Evans Trust is specifically for the religious and charitable work of churches in Mersey Synod and for furthering the Protestant evangelical religion.
How to Apply:
- please review guidance for applicants and Grant Terms and Conditions
- complete an application form
- Completed applications are submitted by email to grantsadmin@urcmerseysynod.org.uk. Please ensure all supporting documentation accompanies your application
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Jessie Anderton Trust
The Jessie Anderton Trust is held to relieve the need or relieving sickness (in convalesence) of members and adherents of the United Reformed Church.
How to Apply:
Please review Grant Terms and Conditions. To apply send an email with a detailed description/request to grantsadmin@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
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Ministers' Widows Fund
For relieving the hardship of the surviving spouses or civil partners and dependent children of ministers who served at any time as a minister in the area of Mersey Synod or who resided in the area at the time of their death.
How to Apply:
Please review Grant Terms and Conditions. To apply send an email with a detailed description/request to grantsadmin@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
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Eccleston Holgate Ministry Fund
Formed from Eccleston Students Fund and John Holgate of Salem Trust, the combined Trust supports students (including books and materials) who are training for the ministry within the URC.
How to Apply:
Please review Grant Terms and Conditions. To apply send an email with a detailed description/request to grantsadmin@urcmerseysynod.org.uk
URC London
The URC London has a number of funding streams available. Brief descriptions are given below, as well as links direct to where you can obtain more information
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Accredited Lay Preacher
Grants up to £300 are available to all Lay Preachers in the URC who have been accredited by the General Assembly
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Children and Youth Work
Small grants are available to support children’s and youth activities, including running holiday clubs and help to strengthen relationships with uniformed clubs
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Church Buildings Fund
Loans towards the cost of building work and professional fees. All applications must be supported by Synod
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Commitment for Life
Grants available up to £1,000 for projects that are aimed at Global Justice, Climate Change, Gender Equality or Economic and Social Justice
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Discipleship Development Fund (large)
Large grants, up to a value of £5,000 are available that contribute to the discipleship development of lay people
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Education for Ministry
Financial support is available for individuals training to become Ministers of Word and Sacraments and Church Related Community Workers
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Inter Faith
To promote contact, understanding and respect among Christians, Jews and members of other faith communities
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Continuing Studies Fund
Financial support to enable further learning for both individual lay people and ordained people
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The Legacy Fund
The Legacy Fund is aimed at providing funding for innovative projects which may struggle to secure financial support from alternative sources
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Mission Enabling Fund
Financial support for mission projects working to become an anti racist church
External funders
There are a wide variety of external funders who will provide funding for church activities and buildings. These funders generally prefer to fund discreet projects rather than core contributions so ensure you familiarise yourself with the pages on how to apply for funding. However, be prepared applying to external funders is likely to take longer than you think and make sure that you are familiar with funders aims and objectives so that you match what you are trying to achieve with the funder’s preferences. This will increase your chances of success.
Explore information on the links below to give you a starting point to finding external funding for your project
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Building repairs
Funders which have specific interest in the upkeep of church buildings
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Building development, extensions
Funders which provide grants for the redevelopment of church buildings, including extensions
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Kitchen facilities
Introducing or improving kitchen facilities to enable increased community use
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Eco and Renewables
Funders which provide grants towards the cost of solar panels, alternative heating and other energy efficiency measures
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Accessibility Improvements
Funders which have specific interest in improving church building accessibility
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Community outreach
Funders who consider making grants to support impact and outreach activity into the local community
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Children & Youth Work
Funders who consider making grants to support working with youth and children
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Listed buildings VAT recovery
Reclaim VAT you have already paid on building work through “Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme”