Capital Youth is launching a new fund to help young people run projects that share the Christian faith.
The Spark Fund is a new initiative launching this September that will help people aged 12-25 in Diocese of London churches run a missional project. The fund has completed its pilot round and is already beginning to fund five new projects led by young people. With Grants of £500 upwards available, The Spark Fund is a great opportunity to help young people try new ideas for sharing their faith.
Applicants will attend a free workshop to develop their ideas into a solid plan with support from creative professionals, then pitch for their desired grant. If successful, they will run their project with support from a sponsoring adult in their church/school and The Spark Fund’s team and board.
“On behalf of my team and All Souls Church, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for the opportunity and for choosing us. We find it amazing that Archdeacon Liz is really behind us on this too! Thank you so much.”
Julia, project lead at All Souls Hackney
As well as giving young people an opportunity to try something new, The Spark Fund will provide them with the support of a board of professionals and a chance to lead a project based out of their church community. The application process involves pitching to the board and attending a workshop where they will gain knowledge around how to manage and track a project.
Projects must be led by a group of young people and revolve around exploring the Christian faith with 11-18s.
The board for The Spark Fund includes Capital Youth’s project sponsor the Archdeacon of Hackney, along with five other experienced professionals and youth workers: Revd Karen Greenidge-Silcott, Joy Faulkner-Mpeho, Toby Lewis Thomas, Nikkita Robert and James Fawcett.
“Young people are a crucial part of our church communities – the church suffers when we miss out on your unique knowledge, insight and creativity. We want you to shape the way the church reaches out to young people today. As you do this, we will invest in you to help you grow as a leader and develop skills that will help you throughout your life. Most of all, we are looking forward to seeing our church communities being changed as we listen to you and learn from your experiences to further God’s kingdom on Earth.”
The Ven. Liz Adekunle, Archdeacon of Hackney
For full details about The Spark Fund and to apply, visit london.anglican.org/spark