Grants to help churches address the longer-term impact of Covid-19
Allchurches Trust has opened a dedicated funding stream for churches, cathedrals, and Christian charities to adapt and respond to the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
Allchurches Trust’s HOPE BEYOND scheme seeks projects that are directly responding to new or increased need brought about by the pandemic.
There is a focus on projects that address issues of isolation and loneliness and mental health problems exacerbated by coronavirus.
Projects to adapt buildings for better or safer post-Covid-19 access and to improve digital access to activities, such as the live-streaming of services and training for people to access online resources, are also included in the remit.
Grants of up to £50,000 are available covering up to 80% of project costs. The grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until the fund is used up, so it pays to apply sooner than later!
Katherine Prior, the Diocesan Fundraising Adviser, says that this is an excellent opportunity for those churches who found during lockdown that they were capable of more and new types of outreach than they realised. ‘With the Hope Beyond scheme,’ she says, ‘Allchurches Trust is encouraging church communities to build upon and consolidate those new endeavours. This is not funding for business as usual or to replace lost income, but a chance to develop new and lasting forms of community support.’
Hope Beyond funding will look to address these three themes:
Allchurches Trust’s website has friendly and accessible advice on the scheme and has simplified the application process as much as possible. Take a look here Katherine Prior is also very happy to advise churches on applications to the scheme, as well as flag up other possible sources of grant funds. Like most diocesan staff she is currently working from home, but can be contacted on katherine.prior@chichester.anglican.org or by phone (Wed – Fri) on 01273 425000