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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Accredited Lay Preacher Grant
Funded by London but administered by Mersey Synod, grants up to £300 are available to all lay preachers who have been accredited by the General Assembly.
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Continuing Studies Fund
Funded by London but administered by Mersey Synod, grants up to £500 for financial support for further learning for both individual lay people and ordained people
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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
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Church Life Review Fund
URC London is currently widely consulting to establish a Church Life Review Fund. The fund is expected to be available some time in 2026. Information is being published regularly so check back here for further updates
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
Funded by London, but administered by Mersey Synod, 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
Funded by London, but administered by Mersey Synod, grants up to £500 for financial support for 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, but there is also a wide variety in what type of activity each will fund. To help you narrow down your search, follow this link for some funding body suggestions, split by type of activity. Where available, a link is also given for the funders’ website, although be aware not all funders maintain websites. Please contact Helen McCormack, Synod Grant Finder (grantsadmin@urcmerseysynod.org.uk) if you need any further help.
These funders generally prefer to fund discreet projects rather than core contributions so ensure you familiarise yourself with the Synod pages on how to apply for funding before you search for a funder. Synod top tip is to be prepared when applying to external funders: it is likely to take longer than you think, so make sure you are familiar with funders aims and objectives and that you match what you are trying to achieve with the funder’s preferences. This will increase your chances of success.