New funding opportunities for faith projects
 In their latest newsletter, Community Mission reveal sources of funding for churches and community projects as well as events for faith groups and guidelines to help people through the economic crisis.
Funding .
The Tesco Charity Trust Community Awards Scheme provides one-off donations between £500-£4,000 to local community projects that benefit children, older people or adults and children with disabilities. Funding can be used for things like equipment, resources, holiday schemes and befriending programmes. There are two application deadlines each year. The next deadline for work with older people and people with disabilities is 31 March. Applications for work with children can be made between 1 May and 30 June. Read the application questions, apply online or phone the helpline on 0845 612 3575.
The Nationwide Foundation offers grants of £5,000 to registered charities with incomes under £500,000. Their funding priorities are community projects that support survivors of domestic abuse and older people, in order to decrease financial exclusion, solve housing issues and support families. The grant covers core costs and any project is welcome to apply provided that it has been at least a year since their last application, whether successful or not. Read the details online or phone 01793 655 113.
Allchurches Trust aims to promote the Christian faith by giving grants, normally up to £5,000, to churches of many denominations and church community projects that need to repair or preserve their buildings. Recipients of grants can apply again after two years. Read about churches that have been successful, download an application form or phone 01452 873 189.
Community Foundation Network is a national body supporting 55 charities across the UK that provides funding to local community projects. Over 95% of the population of the UK has access to at least one community foundation that provides funding. Their funding priorities are broad and include most local community projects.
The Centre for Social Justice Awards will award £10,000 to community projects and charities fighting poverty with practical, entrepreneurial, passionate strategies. The deadline for applying is 22 February but there is no application form. To apply, post or email 500 words or less on how your project tackles poverty and turns lives around. Shortlisted projects will be notified by 20 March. Read about past winners or download the application guidelines.
Training and Events
Fresh Expressions is hosting Changing the Landscape: Fresh Expressions and the long term on 5 March at the Epic Centre in Lincoln. Dr Rowan Williams, The Archbishop of Canterbury, is the keynote speaker and he will focus on the future of fresh expressions of church including the theological, financial and accountability implications. The event is aimed at anyone interested in reaching those normally off the church’s radar. It is £25 per person including lunch. Click here to read more about the event.
Measuring real success in your community project: statistics, anecdotes and transformation is being hosted by Livability on 14 April in response to the current climate of lengthy monitoring forms and fear of failure that surrounds community projects. It is being held at St George’s Centre, Leeds and is £20 per person including lunch. The day is focused on what it means to be effective and how to communicate this to others. To book, contact Ruth Smith or phone 0113 350 8070.
Stories and resources..
Tower Hamlets, east London, contains some of the most extreme deprivation in the country. Tony Uddin leads a church and community project, where the population is 40% Bengali. Read Tony’s honest accounts of urban life and thoughtful reflections on their Christmas mission as well as how to mourn over sin in On the Frontline – a blog from the East End.
Housing Justice, Church Action on Poverty and Scottish Churches Housing Action recently produced 12 Baskets: a practically helpful handbook for churches and individuals about how to help people survive through the economic crisis. Chapters on housing, food, finances, work and ethical lifestyles are included as well as links to other resources. The Housing Justice website has free copies to download.
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