What is the Growth Fund?
The Growth Fund is there to support your church engage creatively in mission in your context. As a diocese we are focused on Growing in God in depth, influence, number and younger, creating flourishing congregations making a difference (based on the Five Marks of Mission agreed by the Anglican Communion in 1984). We can offer grants up to £1500 to support you in outward-looking projects to develop your local mission to the wider community.
What kinds of projects do we fund?
We are keen to support missional projects that focus on Growing Younger or Growing in Number, projects that would not happen without the support of this grant. We want to see projects that have a clear missional objective that is achievable within a defined timescale.
Please note: we do not fund salary or wages.
Who is eligible?
If you are a benefice, parish or new congregation in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich you can apply. You will need to have a Plan for Growth in place for your benefice (or be working towards this), and be able to show how the project fits in with that. A benefice can apply more than once in a year but please coordinate your applications.
We will prioritise those places who have not received Growth Funds previously. We will also prioritise those who can't access funds through Inspiring Ipswich (Ipswich Deanery), Growing God in the Countryside or other Diocesan Funds (e.g. SMDP, Beacon Area). In order for the funds to be distributed fairly across the diocese, we will also take into consideration the geographic spread of applications. Funds will be distributed at the discretion of the fund committee.
What will we expect from you?
Within six months of receiving the money, you will need to provide a brief summary of what they were used for, including pictures (and if possible, a video). You should also include an explanation showing how the funds made a difference to the mission of your church(es).
Where appropriate, this summary will be shared on the Diocese’s website, eNews and/or social media to encourage others in their own mission. We will send out a feedback form to help you to do that.
How do you apply?
Please complete the form below.
Application Form | DOCX
Please return it to the fund administrator Helen Prior-Townsend together with any supporting documentation. We will confirm the receipt of your application within a week.
How quickly will you hear?
Your application will be considered at the next committee meeting.
2024 meeting dates are below, applications need to be sent in a week before each meeting date
Tuesday 9 April
Tuesday 11 June
Tuesday 3 September
Tuesday 5 November
Tuesday 10 December
Any monies received should be used within six months.
How can we help you?
If you would like to discuss your idea or need help with your application, please contact a member of the committee:
Further sources of grants and funds
If you are looking for larger sums of money please visit our webpage on funding here.
