CHURCH GROWTH PROGRAMME FUNDS

We are delighted to be opening applications for churches to access new funding through our Diocesan-wide Church Growth Programme (CGP). As we focus on Growing Disciples of Christ, bringing living hope to the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond, we pray that these funds will help to resource seeing this compelling vision realised in your local church context.

The Church Growth Programme has three funds:

• Growing Disciples Fund (open to all)
• Resource Church Capacity Fund (invite only)
• Revitalisation Church Capacity Fund (invite only)

Applications to funds can be made online by following the relevant links and will be processed by the Programme Management Office (PMO) before being taken to panel for decision. You can read more about the application processes and selection criteria for each fund below.

Growing Disciples Fund

The Growing Disciples Fund (GDF) is open to all churches that are not already in receipt of other Church Growth Programme, Resource Church or Revitalisation funds. Churches can apply for up to £5000 per year to support their strategic plans for growth. For example, this could be used for new outreach initiatives (including Christmas/Easter community events), discipleship materials/resources (including Alpha and other nurture courses), or interns (through the Younger Leadership College).

Please note that churches who have already received money in 2025 through the previous GDF (closed at the end of March 2025), further applications can be made for up to a total of £5000 across the whole of 2025 (including the previous GDF and new GDF). For example, if a church has already received £2000 through the previous GDF, then only a further £3000 can be accessed for the remainder of 2025.

Churches must meet the criteria below and demonstrate that their application is closely aligned to the Diocesan vision and at least one of the seven areas of focus. Applications must include a Growing Disciples Plan.

Once submitted, your application will be processed by the PMO and sent to the Growing Disciples Fund Grants Panel. The outcome will be communicated to you by the PMO.

Criteria

Before applying, please ensure that you meet the criteria below:

1. Parish is within the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham.
2. The applicant parish is not part of a specific missional design through CGP or in receipt of Resource Church Capacity or Revitalisation Church Capacity funding.
3. The applicant parish has a clear missional design (strategic plan / the HOW of Growing Disciples).
4. The applicant parish will have a clear and effective Growing Disciples Plan in place, evidencing clear alignment with Diocesan vision.
5. Clear measurement framework aligned to shared outcome framework, as captured in Growing Disciples Plan.
6. There will be a financial contribution from the applicant parish.
7. The applicant parish will be up to date with Parish Share payments and on a clear trajectory.
8. The applicant parish should commit to monitor progress and provide a short written report upon completion. 

Please contact the PMO for any further queries via: pmo@southwell.anglican.org  

Resource Church Capacity Fund

The Resource Church Capacity Fund (invite only) allows resource churches to access funds of up to £25,000 a year for an initial 2 years, with a potential for up to a further 4 years (end of 2030), that will support them in their plans for growth and transformation. It is intended to add capacity to the local church team, primarily through people resource to see growth and sustainability outcomes realised, although applications for other resources will be considered.

Applications are open to churches who have been identified as resource churches and specifically invited to apply. They must meet the below criteria and demonstrate that their application is closely aligned to the Diocesan vision and seven areas of focus. Applications must include a Growing Disciples Plan and financial forecast.

Once submitted, your application will be processed by the PMO and you will be invited to attend an Advisory Group, where you will have the opportunity to present and discuss your application in greater depth. Following this, the Advisory Group will make a recommendation to Programme Board who will decide the outcome of your application. The outcome will be communicated to you by the PMO.

If your church is successful in their funding application, we request that:

• The PCC sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will outline the agreement on which the funds are made.
• Church leaders attend termly review meetings with the PMO, to review the Growing Disciples Plan and track progress.
• An annual report is completed after each full year of funding.

Criteria

Before applying, please ensure that you meet the criteria below:

1. Church is within the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham.
2. The applicant church is one of the 29 resource churches identified and has been invited to apply.
3. The applicant church is not part of a specific missional design through CGP.
4. The applicant parish has a clear missional design (strategic plan / the HOW of Growing Disciples).
5. The applicant church will have a clear and effective Growing Disciples Plan in place, evidencing clear alignment with Diocesan vision.
6. Clear measurement framework aligned to shared outcome framework, as captured in Growing Disciples Plan.
7. There will be a financial contribution from the applicant church.
8. The applicant church will be up to date with Parish Share payments and on a clear trajectory.
9. Submission of a financial forecast providing a breakdown of costs for each year over the period for which the grant is requested is required as well as long term sustainability planning.
10. The applicant church should commit to monitor and report termly on progress using the Growing Disciples Plan, identifying priorities, risks, learning and next steps.

To Apply

To apply, please see the application link in your invitation email. Please contact the PMO for any further queries via: pmo@southwell.anglican.org.

Revitalisation Church Capacity Fund

The Revitalisation Church Capacity Fund (invite only) allows church revitalisations to access funds of up to £30,000 a year for an initial 2 years, with a potential for up to a further 4 years (end of 2030), that will support them in their plans for growth and transformation. It is intended to add capacity to the local church team, primarily through people resource to see growth and sustainability outcomes realised, although applications for other resources will be considered.

Applications are open to churches who have been identified as church revitalisation and specifically invited to apply. They must meet the below criteria and demonstrate that their application is closely aligned to the Diocesan vision and seven areas of focus. Applications must include a Growing Disciples Plan and financial forecast.

Once submitted, your application will be processed by the PMO and you will be invited to attend an Advisory Group, where you will have the opportunity to present and discuss your application in greater depth. Following this, the Advisory Group will make a recommendation to Programme Board who will decide the outcome of your application. The outcome will be communicated to you by the PMO.

If your church is successful in their funding application, we request that:

• The PCC sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will outline the agreement on which the funds are made.
• Church leaders attend termly review meetings with the PMO, to review the Growing Disciples Plan and track progress.
• An annual report is completed after each full year of funding.

Criteria

Before applying, please ensure that you meet the criteria below:

1. Church is within the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham.
2. The applicant church is one of the 35 church revitilisations identified and has been invited to apply.
3. The applicant church is not part of a specific missional design through CGP.
4. The applicant parish has a clear missional design (strategic plan / the HOW of Growing Disciples).
5. The applicant church will have a clear and effective Growing Disciples Plan in place, evidencing clear alignment with Diocesan vision.
6. Clear measurement framework aligned to shared outcome framework, as captured in Growing Disciples Plan.
7. There will be a financial contribution from the applicant church.
8. The applicant church will be up to date with Parish Share payments and on a clear trajectory.
9. Submission of a financial forecast providing a breakdown of costs for each year over the period for which the grant is requested is required as well as long term sustainability planning.
10. The applicant church should commit to monitor and report termly on progress using the Growing Disciples Plan, identifying priorities, risks, learning and next steps.

To Apply

To apply, please see the application link in your invitation email.  Please contact the PMO for any further queries via: pmo@southwell.anglican.org.

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