Mission grants now available for churches serving their community this winter

Please note:

The 59 grants were available on a first come, first served basis. Unfortunately all the funds have now been distributed.

 

Following the distribution of the majority of £309K received from the Church of England’s Energy Costs Grant to parishes, the Diocese of Bath and Wells is now offering a further grant of £500 to assist those churches serving their community this winter. There are 59 grants available on a first come, first served basis.

PCCs are encouraged to apply for funding for any project or activity that qualifies. Initially grants are limited to one per PCC. If there are funds remaining later in the winter, PCCs will be invited to apply for a second grant if needed.

In order to qualify for the funding:

1. Your activity needs to be related to the cost of living crisis (see below for examples). 
2. It needs to be focused on serving the community, including people who do not normally come to church. 

Some other things to bear in mind:

• Your project or activity does not need to be new. Something that your church has already been doing can qualify – the grant will help you to keep it running this winter. 
• PCCs can choose to apply on behalf of activities that are related to the church rather than directly run by the church, eg. a chaplaincy or pioneering activity.  You may also claim the grant for an activity run by a group or organisation which has a link with the church, for example a warm space in the council’s hall which is partly run by church volunteers, or a food bank in another church in the village.   In this instance, the church is choosing to give the grant to a partner organisation.  eg. a local charity.  
• Grants are not available towards capital fundraising projects.  

Examples

The following are examples of the kind of activity that would qualify for a grant (NB these are only examples and your project does not have to be on this list). 

• Opening the church or hall as a warm space
• A food bank on the church premises
• Clothing bank
• Community visiting project to combat loneliness and isolation
• Debt advice service
• Lunch club

Apply for funding

Apply using the online application form

Or download the application form

Who to contact

For further guidance or assistance in interpreting these guidelines please email: charlie.peer@bathwells.anglican.org