Church Commissioners for England

The Church Commissioners fund frontline parish and diocesan ministry across England, with a strong emphasis on resource-poor areas. Specific areas of support include urgent repairs to church buildings in deprived parishes, cathedrals, bishops’ ministries, leadership development, and innovation for new mission models. They also invest in safeguarding, clergy wellbeing, heritage maintenance, and diverse youth engagement. All funded work must align with the Church of England’s vision, serving low-income, under-resourced communities. Causes such as faith-based youth activities and arts projects tied to heritage or mission may be supported where they fit within the Church’s priorities.

Beneficiaries are exclusively Church of England entities—parishes, dioceses, cathedrals, and clergy—operating in England. The funder prioritises bodies serving low-income, under-resourced communities, with a Christian-only focus. Applications are invite-only, typically channelled through dioceses or church structures; unsolicited proposals from non-Church charities or generalist causes are not accepted. There is no open application process, and eligibility is restricted to organisations that directly align with the Church of England’s mission and vision.

The Church Commissioners do not accept unsolicited proposals from non-Church charities, generalist causes, or projects outside the Church of England’s vision. They exclude funding for organisations that are not Church of England entities, as well as any work not directly tied to frontline parish and diocesan ministry, clergy provision, or the funder’s specific priorities such as heritage maintenance or youth engagement. General community projects or secular initiatives are not considered.

The Church Commissioners fund through a strategic, invite-only approach, working exclusively via dioceses and church structures. They support both one-off initiatives and longer-term investments, emphasising innovation for new mission models and sustainable impact. Funding is directed towards core priorities such as clergy wellbeing, building repairs, and leadership development, with a focus on partnership with diocesan bodies. Unsolicited applications are not welcomed, and all funding decisions are aligned with the Church’s strategic goals.