Applying for a grant from the Bishop of London’s Mission Fund

This outline is how grant applications will be developed in the majority of cases. Even if your application is likely to be more complex, help is available from the advocate and/or secretary.

How to apply

1. Agree the basic aspects of your mission project.

2. Discuss possible sources of funding with your archdeacon. He or she will be able to give you an idea whether your project fits in with the Mission Fund’s broad eligibility criteria.

3. If your archdeacon suggests approaching the Mission Fund for support, you should make contact with Theresa Moses, the Secretary by t: 020 7932 1247 or e: theresa.moses@london.anglican.org. The Mission Fund works on an advocate basis. A member of the Board will be assigned to you to assist with the application and identify any potential pitfalls at this early stage.

4. When you are ready, send the fully completed application form and supporting documents to the archdeacon, who will review it and decide whether to recommend it to the Board. He or she will give feedback once the application has been reviewed. Please also send a copy of the application pack to your advocate.

Grant applications are discussed at Board meetings, which for 2008 take place as below:

• 7 February
• 17 April
• 18 June
• 11 September
• 16 October (Church Urban Fund applications only)
• 4 December

Please allow enough time before meetings for your application to be reviewed by your archdeacon.

Following the meeting

Within a few days of the meeting, the advocate will contact you to let you know the outcome of the meeting:

• Whether a grant was awarded and, if so, for how much
• Any terms attached to a grant
• If a grant is not awarded, the reasons why and what further steps can be taken.

The conversation you have with the advocate will be confirmed by email or in writing.

What to include with your application

The specific items to include will vary from application to application and you are encouraged to include enough material to give the board members sufficient background information about your project. The advocate will be able to offer further advice. You should attempt to convey the essential information in a concise way.

Applications should include:

• A signed and fully completed application form
• Authorisation to apply (for example, a PCC resolution supporting the application)
• A copy of the accounts and balances
• An up-to-date Mission Action Plan.

It is helpful if the paperwork is single-sided A4 with as little stapling as possible.

Review of Mission Fund grants

Mission Fund grant review form