New funding streams for community ministry in south and east Essex

This is a copy of letter that is being sent out to all incumbent clergy in south and east Essex today...

Others for whom this might be of use are just as welcome to be in touch with this office, through this blog or otherwise...

Dear colleagues

I wanted to let you know about a number of (relatively-new) funding streams which may be of help to you in your community ministry work. I hope you will find them of value.

I am, of course, ready and willing to directly assist any parish or group who might wish for my assistance in approaching these funders or developing their vision and plans.

Church and Community Fund (Church of England) helps with projects of all kinds that bring the community into the church and the church into the community. The maximum grant is £15,000 and applicants are welcome to request any amount within this limit. The Fund does support ecumenical projects where the Anglican Church plays a significant role. Full guidance notes and application details are on their website: www.churchandcommunityfund.org.uk or contact The Church and Community Fund on 020 7898 1767 or email ccf@c-of-e.org.uk

Migration Impacts Fund: A new fund to manage the transitional impacts of migration has been announced and application packs for project funding are now available. For further information contact Lee Davies, Government Office East, 01223 372950 or email lee.davies@goeast.gsi.gov.uk

BT Community Connections is an award scheme which enables community and charitable organisations to get online and make use of information and communication technology (ICT). The scheme supports a diverse range of community and charitable organisations. Almost any organisation, working in any field of community benefit, can apply for a laptop and a year’s free broadband connection. To find out more log on to www.btcommunityconnections.com

Deadlines for round one (open now):

Postal applications must be received by 9 June 2009

Online applications must be submitted by 11 June 2009

Free Introductory Pack on Funding and Finance
Produced by NCVO’s Sustainable Funding Project and the Finance Hub, this pack of six guides is for small and medium sized organisations and they cover fundraising, trading, contracting and much more.

For more information visit www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/sfp/introductory-pack

Myself and others on the Area Team hope that these opportunities may be of assistance to you.

Go well,

The Revd Paul Trathen

Faith in Action Advisor – Bradwell Episcopal Area

PS Archdeacon David Lowman and Canon Martin Wood also hold a list of trust funds that have a track record of making grants to help with the repair and/or reordering of church buildings.

Martin, further, holds a database of grant making trusts that can be accessed in his office.

Martin is happy to offer general advice to parishes about raising money for major capital projects.

The funding guides on the parish resources website (http://www.parishresources.org.uk/funding.htm) are a good source of advice.