New Growing Disciples Fund

We are delighted to share that applications for churches to access new funding through our Diocesan-wide Church Growth Programme (CGP) are now open. 

The new Growing Disciples Fund is open to all churches that are not already in receipt of SDF or other Church Growth Programme, Resource Church or Revitalisation funds. This has been supported through funding recently received from the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB).

Churches can apply for up to £5,000 per year to support their strategic plans for growth. This funding could be used for new outreach initiatives, Christmas and Easter community events, discipleship materials and resources, or to fund interns (through the Younger Leadership College).

To apply, churches must meet a certain criteria (please see 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 also include a Growing Disciples Plan. There is a rolling application process, so there is no specific deadline to apply, however we recommend you allow an application turnaround time of at least a month.

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.

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 SDF, 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 on track with Parish Share payments and in line with the parish’s trajectory
8. The applicant parish should commit to monitor progress and provide a short written report upon completion. 

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.

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.

You can find out more about the Church Growth Programme Funds here, or contact the PMO for any further queries via: pmo@southwell.anglican.org