(Image: Positive questions = positive change)
Taking seriously the flourishing of the whole person in their context
We aim to create an environment in which developmental learning is recognized as a hallmark of professional good practice as well as a central aspect of discipleship. It is also a means by which we exercise grateful stewardship of the talents which God has entrusted to us, both as individuals and as the Church.
Learning and development is interpreted in broad terms: effective CMD may take the form of retreats, mentoring or accessing work consultancy or coaching (for example through our network of Ministry Accompaniers) as well as training courses, theological programmes or conferences.
Advice and assistance in helping clergy and licensed lay ministers to access other forms of training, development, study and support which may be appropriate for them is always available from the CMD team, and we are also ready and willing to discuss access to vocational advice, spiritual direction and any needs arising from your Ministry Development Review.
Ordained Women
The
Women’s Continuing Ministerial Education Trust (WCMET) exists to further the continuing ministerial education of women in the Church of England and Scottish Episcopal Church. It focuses attention on courses or projects that clearly relate to professional development.
Low-income grants
Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a grant from the
Clergy Support Trust.
The
Frances Ashton Charity offers one-off grants to clergy and clergy widows with low incomes.
The
Foundation of Edward Storey offers grants and repayable grants to financially unsupported (single) to widows, divorced/separated spouses of Church of England clergy, clergywomen, deaconesses, missionaries or other women professionally connected to the Church of England.
Working with young people
Culham St Gabriel’s makes grants for excellence in Religious Education.
Academic study funding
The Bayne Benefaction, administered through Christ Church, exists to help clergy within the Diocese of Oxford with grants of up to 50% of the costs of study and some training academic fees. Applications are considered at a trustee meeting twice per year in March and September. For more information please contact your area Archdeacon or the Bayne Benefaction Clerk
claire.barratt@oxford.anglican.org. Further details can be found in the Guidelines and Application form.
Guidelines |
Application form
The St Luke's College Foundation is a Church of England grant making trust for the advancement of further and higher education in Religious Education and Theology. Grants are awarded to individuals for research and taught postgraduate qualifications in these fields; and to eligible organisations for related initiatives and facilities. Please note that applications can only be made between January and 1st May each year. The last date for requesting an application pack is 10th April. Grants are made for the following academic year.
Early retirement
Dr George Richards' Charity offers grants Church of England clergy forced to retire early owing to ill-health. Widows, widowers and dependants can also apply for assistance. For more information please email: g.richardscharity@tiscali.co.uk
Other grants
St Boniface Trust makes small grants to enable clergy study
The
Ewelme Almshouse Charity provides almshouse accommodation for elderly persons who are in financial need in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. They also provide grants for educational purposes to young people who are in need of financial assistance.
The
Henry Smith Charity provides grants to assist parochial clergy in financial need at a time of crisis or acute need, where this could be detrimental to their ministry. The need may arise from family circumstances (e.g. a family with children and only one income), unusual or emergency expenditure which strains family finances (e.g. illness, disability, expensive car repairs) or simply the need for a family holiday after a period of stress and exhaustion whether through personal issues or the challenge of ministering in difficult parishes. Grants are administered via each Area Bishop’s office. Please contact your Area Bishop or Archdeacon if you wish to be considered for a Henry Smith Charity grant.
The
Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy offers grants to Evangelical clergy, widows and accredited lay workers. Grants are awarded for several areas, including illness, bereavement, removals, family support and other needs at the discretion of the Trustees.
More funding sources will be added soon. Please contact us for more information.