Call for Applications: Christian Projects Grant Programme (UK)

The Christian Projects Grant programme provides funding to UK churches, charities, and not-for-profit organisations for projects that improve the wellbeing, resilience, and pastoral support of Anglican clergy. Grants of £10,000 or more per year can be awarded for up to three years, with priority given to smaller organisations with annual income of up to £1 million.

About the Christian Projects Grant Programme

The Christian Projects Grant programme supports initiatives designed to strengthen the wellbeing of Anglican clergy across the United Kingdom.

The programme recognises the pressures and challenges associated with clergy ministry and aims to help clergy remain healthy, resilient, and effective in their pastoral roles.

Funding is intended for practical projects that create stronger support systems, encourage peer connection, and provide opportunities for clergy to access pastoral care, mentoring, and restorative activities.

What Does the Grant Support?

The programme supports projects that directly contribute to Anglican clergy wellbeing and resilience.

Eligible activities may include:

• Peer support programmes for local clergy.
• Restorative retreats.
• One-to-one mentoring.
• Pastoral care initiatives.
• Online pastoral support.
• In-person pastoral support.
• Other structured initiatives that improve clergy wellbeing and resilience.

Projects should demonstrate a clear need for support and explain how the proposed activities will benefit Anglican clergy.

Grant Amount and Duration

Successful organisations can receive:

• Minimum grant: £10,000 per year.
• Standard funding period: Up to 3 years.
• Total funding: More than £70,000 is unlikely to be awarded.
• Exceptional funding: Support for up to 5 years may be considered following discussion with the charity.

Applicants should ensure that their requested funding is proportionate to the scale and expected impact of their project.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to:

• UK churches.
• Small charities.
• Not-for-profit organisations.

Applicants must either:

• Be part of the Church of England.
• Be part of the Church in Wales.
• Be part of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
• Be part of the Church of Ireland.
• Or demonstrate full support from the relevant Anglican church in their area.

Organisations should also have sufficient experience and capacity to deliver the proposed project.

Organisational Requirements

Applicants are expected to meet additional organisational conditions.

The programme prioritises organisations with:

• Annual income of up to £1 million.
• At least 18 months of organisational history.
• A proven track record of delivering relevant work.
• Appropriate organisational capacity to manage grant funding.

Smaller organisations are particularly encouraged to apply where their work directly addresses clergy wellbeing needs.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Organisations may be excluded if they:

• Have annual income above £1 million, except in exceptional circumstances.
• Hold reserves exceeding 12 months’ expenditure.
• Have an active application with the charity.
• Have recently applied to the charity, where the programme’s rules restrict repeat applications.
• Do not have the required Anglican church connection or support.
• Lack an established track record or sufficient organisational experience.

Applicants should check the latest programme requirements before preparing an application.

Examples of Suitable Projects

A project could focus on creating a structured peer-support network for clergy within a local Anglican area.

Another suitable initiative could provide restorative retreats where clergy have opportunities to rest, reflect, and access professional or pastoral support.

Funding could also support a mentoring programme that connects clergy with experienced colleagues for regular one-to-one guidance.

Online pastoral care may be appropriate where it improves access to support for clergy who cannot regularly attend in-person services or programmes.

Why It Matters

Clergy wellbeing is closely connected to the strength and sustainability of local church communities.

Supporting clergy through mentoring, peer networks, pastoral care, and restorative opportunities can help:

• Reduce isolation.
• Strengthen professional and pastoral resilience.
• Improve access to appropriate support.
• Encourage healthier ministry practices.
• Help clergy remain effective in their roles.
• Strengthen wider church communities.

The programme therefore focuses not only on individual wellbeing but also on creating sustainable support structures within the Anglican community.

How to Apply

Applicants should develop their proposal around a clearly identified clergy wellbeing need.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that your organisation is a UK church, charity, or not-for-profit organisation with the required Anglican connection or support.

Step 2: Identify the Need

Explain the specific wellbeing or pastoral challenges affecting the Anglican clergy who will benefit from the project.

Step 3: Design the Project

Describe the activities you will deliver, such as:

• Peer support.
• Mentoring.
• Retreats.
• Pastoral care.
• Online support.
• In-person support.

Step 4: Explain the Expected Impact

Set out the expected benefits for participating clergy and explain how you will determine whether the project has achieved its objectives.

Step 5: Prepare the Budget

Provide a realistic budget showing how grant funding will be used and why the requested amount is necessary.

Step 6: Demonstrate Organisational Capacity

Provide evidence of your organisation’s experience, governance, financial stability, and ability to manage and deliver the proposed project.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Complete the application according to the charity’s requirements and ensure that all requested supporting information is included.

Application Tips

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly defining the clergy wellbeing problem being addressed.
• Demonstrating demand for the proposed support.
• Explaining how clergy will access the service.
• Providing measurable outcomes.
• Showing relevant organisational experience.
• Keeping the budget realistic and proportionate.
• Demonstrating support from the relevant Anglican church where required.
• Explaining how the project could remain sustainable after grant funding ends.

Key Grant Details

• Grant programme: Christian Projects Grant
• Target beneficiaries: Anglican clergy
• Location: United Kingdom
• Eligible applicants: Churches, charities, and not-for-profit organisations
• Annual grant: £10,000 or more
• Standard duration: Up to 3 years
• Likely maximum total award: £70,000
• Exceptional duration: Up to 5 years may be considered
• Priority organisations: Those with annual income up to £1 million
• Minimum organisational age: 18 months
• Main focus: Clergy wellbeing, pastoral care, resilience, mentoring, peer support, and restorative activities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Christian Projects Grant programme?

It is a funding programme supporting projects that improve the wellbeing and resilience of Anglican clergy across the UK.

How much funding can organisations receive?

Grants of £10,000 or more per year are available for up to three years. Total awards above £70,000 are unlikely, although exceptional arrangements may be considered.

What types of projects can be funded?

Eligible activities can include peer support programmes, restorative retreats, one-to-one mentoring, and online or in-person pastoral care initiatives.

Which organisations can apply?

UK churches, small charities, and not-for-profit organisations connected to the Church of England, Church in Wales, Scottish Episcopal Church, or Church of Ireland can apply, subject to the programme’s other requirements.

Does an organisation need Anglican church support?

An organisation that is not directly part of one of the specified Anglican churches may apply if it can demonstrate full support from the relevant Anglican church in its area.

Are larger charities eligible?

The programme prioritises organisations with annual income of up to £1 million. Organisations above this threshold are generally not eligible, except in exceptional circumstances.

Can organisations with large reserves apply?

Organisations with reserves exceeding 12 months’ expenditure are not eligible under the stated criteria.

Conclusion

The Christian Projects Grant programme provides targeted support for organisations working to improve the wellbeing, resilience, and pastoral care of Anglican clergy in the UK. By funding peer support, mentoring, restorative retreats, and other wellbeing initiatives, the programme can help create stronger and more sustainable support systems for clergy and the communities they serve. Small, established organisations with relevant experience and a clear Anglican connection are particularly well positioned to seek this funding.