Barnabas Charitable Trust

The Barnabas Charitable Trust is a registered UK charity (Charity Commission no. 326748) dedicated to providing targeted financial relief to individuals in necessitous circumstances who are or have been engaged in full-time Christian service—such as ministers, missionaries, and church workers—and their families or dependents, particularly those not in paid employment due to retirement, hardship, or life changes. Rooted in Christian values of compassion, stewardship, service, and fellowship, the Trust adopts a highly focused, case-by-case approach, emphasizing direct personal aid over broader programmes, with decisions made by a small trustee board to uphold careful stewardship for those who have served without material reward.

It funds emergency relief, living expenses, and hardship support through unrestricted grants for personal use, primarily to UK-resident individuals with a proven history of Christian ministry. Occasionally, it supports small organisations or groups directly aiding eligible beneficiaries, but prioritises tangible relief for those facing financial need after long service, including those who served internationally but now reside in the UK.

Eligibility is strictly limited to Christian-only beneficiaries in the UK demonstrating financial hardship and a record of full-time service; organisations must have direct links to such individuals, with no income thresholds but a preference for smaller entities. Unsolicited applications are not accepted—support arises via referrals from trusted Christian networks, with trustees assessing cases quarterly on a rolling basis, requesting evidence of need and service.

Typical grants range from £500 to £5,000, rarely larger, excluding projects, capital costs, or general organisational funding. This niche focus on direct aid for Christian workers in distress distinguishes it from broader faith-based funders, making it ideal for targeted, referral-driven relief without public rounds or advocacy.