Vicar's General Fund

The Vicar's General Fund is an independent UK-registered charity established in 1977, dedicated to making small grants that advance the prevention and relief of poverty while furthering the Christian faith. Rooted in Christian values of compassion, stewardship, and alleviation of suffering, it empowers other charities, voluntary bodies, and individuals in need to address hardship and sustain religious activities. With a consistent mission over decades, the Fund emphasises integrity, robust governance—including policies on safeguarding, financial controls, conflicts of interest, and risk management—and maximises impact by drawing down reserves, operating UK-wide across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It funds general charitable purposes in poverty alleviation and Christianity promotion, supporting churches, faith-based charities, and organisations aiding those in financial hardship. Grants typically cover project and core costs for grassroots to mid-sized entities engaged in relief efforts or religious mission work, without focus on specific ages, interventions, or regions within the UK.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and community groups based in the UK, with a preference for smaller organisations; there are no strict income thresholds. However, it is strictly invite-only, accepting no unsolicited applications—no public forms, portals, or guidance exist, with trustees exercising full discretion. Awards are made on a rolling basis throughout the year, typically as small one-off grants of £500–£3,000.

Distinctive for its dual poverty-Christian focus, discretionary approach, and unremunerated trustees underscoring responsible stewardship, the Fund does not publicise grant examples or deadlines, prioritising aligned beneficiaries identified internally over open calls. Charities advancing faith or tackling poverty UK-wide may secure modest, targeted support if invited.