On this page...
You'll also need to read through the specific guidelines for your application type. They will take you step by step through the application forms:
- Tier 1 applications (for grants up to £2,500)
- Tier 2 applications (for grants over £2,500 or any grant involving employment)
Submission deadlines
There are four submission deadlines per year for both Tiers. The deadlines for applications are midnight on 31 January, 30 April, 31 July and 31 October.
Once you're done here, it's time to complete your application.
Next step: Submit your application
General criteria
The general criteria for applications are as follows:
- You need to say how the project supported by this grant would help you become a more Christ-like church for the sake of God’s world (there is a separate document - Signs of a Christ-like church - to help with this).
- There should be evidence in the application generally:
- of your discernment – what have you noticed that leads you to believe God is calling you to this particular activity? In what way are you doing something different because you are listening to God?
- of missional creativity: a thought-through approach; some innovation; with the expectation of positive missional outcomes;
- that there is a good opportunity for those involved to learn from this activity (and you have an idea of what you might learn from this);
- that the project is sustainable: realistic costs, timescales, resources (people, buildings, equipment and materials) and expected outcomes, also evidence of some careful planning.
- We are not looking for every application to be strong in all four areas, but the more you can show, the better.
- We also ask about the financial status of the parish, benefice or deanery: it helps to be able to show what contribution you are able to make to the project (that may be a contribution in kind as well as financial).
- Reviewers on the Development Fund Panel will also want to see that the proposed activity is sustainable: that it stands a fair chance of delivering benefits you describe; and wherever possible those benefits can continue beyond the lifetime of the funding support.
Additional requirements for Tier 2 applications
In general, the larger the grant sought, the more detailed is the supporting evidence required. All Tier 2 applications need to be discussed at an early stage with your Parish Development Adviser, who can help you develop your vision and strengthen your project by sharing their experience from other projects and referring you to other relevant resources.
There are also some specific requirements for Tier 2 applications:
- A more detailed plan of what you propose to do (since the work is likely to be more complex). You will need to indicate where on your plan the costs will fall: large grants are likely to be paid in stages, in line with predicted expenditure.
- More financial detail, so the reviewers can have enough confidence that the project has sufficient financial backing. We would expect Tier 2 grants to be match-funded (although you may wish to make a case for a higher proportion of grant funding).
- For grants involving the employment of children’s, families or youth workers, applicants should consult with the Discipleship Enabler for their Archdeaconry before the application is submitted, with information about the proposed role(s).
- For grants involving the development of new worshipping communities or church plants, applicants should consult with the Parish Development Adviser for their Archdeaconry before the application is submitted, with information about the proposed role or initiative. This may also include building projects to improve facilities and / or new mission and outreach initiatives which might have the potential to grow into a new worshipping community.
- For grants involving the employment of staff, applicants should consult with HR at Church House Oxford, before the application is submitted, with information about the proposed role(s).
Further support with your application
If you need further support in preparing your application, contact the appropriate people below.
General help with your mission plan / activities, and developing new congregations
Parish Development Adviser for your Episcopal Area / Archdeaconry
Berkshire & Oxford: Rhodri Bowen
07741 736 480
Email
Buckingham: Asa Humphreys
Email
Dorchester: Anne Perry
Email
Employment / HR
Senior HR Adviser, Tim Barnett
01865 208 763
Email
Children and Youth
Discipleship Enabler for your Episcopal Area / Archdeaconry:
Oxford and Dorchester: Yvonne Morris
01865 208 255
Email
Berkshire: Kathryn Aboud
01865 208 253
Email
Buckingham: James Wood
01865 208 254
Email
Building Projects
Church Buildings Team
01865 208270
Email
Fundraising
Generous Giving Adviser: Joshua Townson
01865 208 757
Email
Application process and general enquiries
Development Fund Administrator: Fiona McGrady
01865 208 739
Email
Once your project is ready, read through the Tier 1 or Tier 2 guidance, which takes you step by step through the application forms.