Open Call for Community Impact Grants (UK and Ireland)

The Community Impact Grants Programme provides revenue funding to Christian charities, churches, and representative Christian bodies in the UK and Ireland for projects that strengthen Christian mission and improve community wellbeing. The programme supports initiatives that address social challenges while helping Christian congregations and communities grow and thrive.

What Is the Community Impact Grants Programme?

The Community Impact Grants Programme provides financial support for Christian-led projects that deliver positive social impact while advancing Christian mission across the UK and Ireland.

The programme focuses on funding revenue-based projects that strengthen local communities, respond to social needs, and support the growth and sustainability of Christian congregations and ministries.

Grant Objectives

The Community Impact Grants Programme has two primary objectives:

Address Social Challenges

The programme supports projects that:

• Improve community wellbeing.
• Address social challenges affecting local communities.
• Support vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
• Deliver practical community services.
• Promote inclusion and social cohesion.

Grow and Sustain Christian Communities

The programme also supports projects that:

• Strengthen Christian mission.
• Grow Christian congregations.
• Build sustainable Christian communities.
• Increase community engagement through faith-based initiatives.
• Encourage long-term ministry development.

Funding Information

Applicants must propose projects with:

• Total project costs of at least £2,000

The programme provides revenue funding for eligible projects that deliver community impact and support Christian mission.

Eligible Projects

Projects may include activities such as:

• Community outreach programmes
• Faith-based social support services
• Youth and family ministry initiatives
• Community wellbeing programmes
• Volunteer development
• Christian leadership development
• Community engagement activities
• Projects addressing poverty or social isolation
• Faith-based education and support programmes
• Mission and ministry initiatives

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to:

• Christian charities
• Churches
• Christian representative bodies
• Dioceses
• Denominational organizations

Applicants must be based in:

• The United Kingdom
• Ireland

Organizational Requirements

Applicant organizations must:

• Be registered as charities in the UK or Ireland.
• Deliver projects that support Christian mission and community wellbeing.
• Meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Churches, cathedrals, and denominational organizations should belong to one of the following national ecumenical bodies:

• Churches Together in England (CTE)
• Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS)
• Churches Together in Wales (Cytûn)
• Irish Council of Churches

Local or independent churches should belong to an appropriate local ecumenical or “churches together” group.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following organizations are not eligible for the Community Impact Grants Programme:

• Individual schools
• Educational institutions
• Hospices

These organizations may instead apply for chapel-related funding through the Building Grants Programme, where applicable.

Why This Grant Matters

Faith-based organizations play an important role in supporting communities through practical services, outreach, and pastoral care.

This programme helps organizations:

• Respond to social challenges.
• Strengthen local Christian communities.
• Support vulnerable individuals and families.
• Expand community outreach.
• Promote faith-inspired community development.
• Build sustainable Christian ministries.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm that your organization meets all eligibility requirements.
2. Ensure your project supports Christian mission and community wellbeing.
3. Prepare a project plan outlining objectives, activities, expected outcomes, and budget.
4. Confirm that the total project cost is at least £2,000.
5. Gather all required organizational and charity registration documents.
6. Complete the application before the submission deadline.
7. If funded, deliver the project and comply with all reporting requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Applying without registered charity status.
• Submitting projects that do not support Christian mission.
• Proposing projects with total costs below £2,000.
• Applying as an ineligible school, educational institution, or hospice.
• Failing to demonstrate community impact.
• Providing incomplete project information or supporting documents.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen your application:

• Clearly explain the community need your project addresses.
• Demonstrate how the project supports Christian mission.
• Show measurable social and community outcomes.
• Present a realistic project budget.
• Highlight partnerships and community engagement.
• Explain the long-term benefits of the project.
• Ensure all eligibility requirements are fully met.

Key Definitions

Christian Mission

Activities that share Christian faith through worship, service, outreach, discipleship, and community engagement while supporting individuals and communities.

Community Wellbeing

The overall health, safety, inclusion, resilience, and quality of life experienced by individuals and communities.

Revenue Funding

Funding provided to cover the operational and programme delivery costs of a project rather than capital construction or building improvements.

Ecumenical Organization

A Christian organization or network that promotes cooperation and unity among different Christian churches and denominations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Community Impact Grants Programme?

The programme provides revenue funding for Christian-led projects that strengthen Christian mission and improve community wellbeing across the UK and Ireland.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include registered Christian charities, churches, dioceses, and denominational bodies based in the UK or Ireland.

What is the minimum project cost?

Projects must have a total cost of at least £2,000.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports projects that address social challenges, strengthen Christian congregations, promote community wellbeing, and expand Christian mission.

Can schools or educational institutions apply?

No. Individual schools, educational institutions, and hospices are not eligible for the Community Impact Grants Programme. However, they may be eligible for chapel-related funding through the Building Grants Programme.

What are the main eligibility requirements?

Applicants must be registered charities in the UK or Ireland. Churches and denominational bodies should belong to an appropriate national or local ecumenical organization.

Why is this programme important?

The programme supports Christian organizations in delivering practical community services while strengthening faith communities, addressing social challenges, and creating lasting positive impact across the UK and Ireland.

Conclusion

The Community Impact Grants Programme supports Christian charities, churches, and representative organizations that are making a meaningful difference in communities across the UK and Ireland. By providing revenue funding for projects with total costs of at least £2,000, the programme helps organizations address social challenges, strengthen Christian mission, and build resilient faith communities. Organizations with well-planned, community-focused projects and clear social impact are well positioned to submit a strong application.