Funding and ideas for community mission
Recent Community Mission resources include funding opportunities, prison ministries conference and a new neighbourhood prayer network.
 FUNDING
Churches and Christian projects wanting to respond to issues of family life, addiction, housing, education, employment and health can avoid reinventing the wheel by applying to The Cinnamon Network to set up a franchise of a successful community project. Successful projects can also become a franchisor so that others can set up a similar project. Up to £10,000 is available for up to two years to successful applicants. Special focus will be shown to ministry areas with no existing franchises. Initial interest must be made through the online application form to take on a new franchise or become a franchisor and be received by 30 September.
Santander Foundation helps charities working with disadvantaged people in two areas: education and training (anger management, independent living skills, improving self-esteem) as well as financial capability (budgeting skills, running a credit union, financial advice and understanding benefit entitlement). One-off grants of up to £10,000 are awarded anywhere in the UK. Average grant size is £4,000 and there is no deadline.
Projects working to improve the lives of older people through the use of music or art can apply to The Concertina Charitable Trust for an average of £500, though some grants awarded are more than this. Examples of grants awarded include singing lessons, Christmas music event, taking older people to museums and art workshops. The next deadline is 31 October. To apply, complete the application form and send a hard copy with accounts of financial statement. Contact by phone or email is not encouraged.
Charities that operate nationally can apply to The John Ellerman Foundation for £10,000 and above to help people with disabilities, people with mental health problems, disadvantaged young people, isolated older people, carers and families in need. Funding is for core costs and should be used for direct practical benefit rather than campaigning or policy. Preference is given to charities with an annual income below £100,000. There is no application deadline.
 TRAINING AND EVENTS
Redeeming our Communities brings together churches and a range of local bodies to encourage them to work together in positive partnerships for practical change. They are holding an autumn Ambassador’s conference from 28-29 October at the De Vere Harben House Hotel near Milton Keynes. The cost is £95 per person. Learn about their community models and be inspired by the power of local partnerships. Book online or phone 0161 946 2373 for more information.
Children, Churches and the Big Society: Calling Church and Nation is a one-day event organised by the Christian Childcare Forum, Livability, Salvation Army, Spurgeons, Oasis and others. This day will answer key questions about the Big Society and how it relates to children as well as send a message to government and others about what churches think. The day will take place on 2 November at Regent Hall. London. Plenary speakers will include Bishop Paul Butler, Sarah Hayes, and Rev Steve Chalke. Workshop sessions will cover internet safety, youth work, minorities in the community, parent/toddler groups, foster care, street pastors, setting up church projects and more. The cost is £30 per person, including lunch.
You may not have a prison nearby, but there could be ex-offenders and their families in your community needing advice and support. The Alpha for Prisons and Caring for Ex-offenders teams at Holy Trinity Brompton are holding their annual Prison Ministry conference on 11 November at HTB in London. Working Together: Reducing ex-offending to transform our neighbourhoods will focus on grassroots work. The cost is £40 per person.
STORIES AND RESOURCES
With the recent riots in our minds, now is a good time to step up prayer for our communities. Neighbourhood prayer network is a new initiative designed to bring prayer to our neighbours, and community back to our streets. The overall focus is to help churches to consciously cover all their local streets in prayer. The website offers a range of suggestions, models and advice to get started. Though all churches want to be welcoming, there is also a need to make it clear that certain behaviour is unacceptable. Getting the balance right is always difficult but help is at hand. Kate Middleton, an academic psychologist who also works at Hitchin Christian Centre, has written a guide to Managing challenging behaviour in church for Premier’s Mind and Soul network. Mind and Soul helps Christians learn more about and respond to people with mental health issues. As well as identifying the kinds of behaviour we might all encounter, Kate explores a range of firm but loving approaches designed to work towards inclusion.
| 