This list of charities is an attempt to summarise some of the principal sources of grants and funds for clergy and their families. National charities listed here can also be helpful and may be worth contacting for specific assistance.
Henry Smith’s Charity
This charity provides a grant to the Bishop to distribute each year. There are specific criteria that apply.
The purpose of the grants is to assist parochial clergy in financial need where this could be detrimental to their ministry. The need may arise from family circumstances (e.g. a family with children and only one income), unusual or emergency expenditure which strains family finances (e.g. illness, disability, expensive car repairs) or simply the need for a family holiday after a period of stress and exhaustion whether through personal issues or the challenge of ministering in difficult parishes.
Please contact Rachel Lomas to enquire about eligibility for a grant.
Clergy Support Trust
Clergy Support Trust is an independent charity, confidentially supporting Anglican Clergy (serving and retired) and their families across the UK, Ireland, Diocese of Europe & the Diocese of Sodor and Man.
Please use the eligibility checker on their website to explore the grants, services and support you may be able to apply for.
Frances Ashton Charity
The Frances Ashton Charity provides one off grants to serving or retired clergy of the Church of England and to their widows and widowers in cases where there is an exception or urgent need. Please visit their website to apply directly for a grant.
Foundation of Edward Storey
The Foundation is able to offer a certain number of grants and repayable grants each year to applicants in need. These can be awarded to:
- widows, widowers, divorced or separated spouses of clergy who have served in the Church of England, the Church in Wales or the Scottish Episcopal Church;
- clergywomen, deaconesses, missionaries or other women professionally connected to the Church of England.
These grants can be made for a variety of reasons including resettlement costs, car expenses, household goods and furnishings. Grants will not be given towards educational, counselling or clothing costs for children, care home ‘top up’ fees or bankruptcy fees.
Please visit their website for more information and to apply.
Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy
The Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy was founded by evangelical churchmen in 1788 as "The Society for the Relief of Poor Pious Clergy resident in the Country". lt is a registered charity (number 232634) and is now governed by Rules approved by the Charity Commissioners.
The society makes grants to evangelical clergy and evangelical Accredited Lay Workers in the following categories of need:
- bereavement
- illness
- removals
- family support to enable young people to participate in a 'ministry experience' during a gap year before university
- family support to enable children/young people of evangelical ministers to attend Christian camps, for their spiritual benefit and to develop leadership potential
- other special needs (at the Trustees' discretion)
Grants are also made when needed to the widows and widowers of evangelical clergy. Please visit their website for more information.
The English Clergy Association
Holiday Grants are made, in many cases of a sufficient size to make a significantly helpful contribution to clergy (and their family's) enjoyment of life.
Please visit the website for more information and to apply.
Queen Victoria Clergy Fund
The fund was formed to raise support and funds to augment the incomes of poor clergy in the Church of England. It does not include ordinands or retired clergy. The money is allocated to the Bishop for distribution.
Please contact Rachel Lomas to enquire about eligibility for a grant.
The Buttle Trust
Buttle UK is a charity dedicated to helping children and young people in the UK who have experienced crisis, or are living in financial hardship and dealing with multiple challenging social issues. They provide support designed to improve emotional, educational and social outcomes through their Chances for Children grants and, for some children whose home environment is disruptive and chaotic, grants which allow them to go to boarding school.
Please visit their website to assess eligibility and to apply.
Tranquillity House
This trust is a grant-making charity whose particular function is to assist towards the cost of holidays for clergy who are for any reason in need. Nominations are made by the Bishop. For eligibility, please contact Rachel Lomas
Christians Against Poverty
CAP is a national charity working across the UK to lift people out of debt and poverty.
The Women’s Continuing Ministerial Education Trust
The Women's Continuing Ministerial Education Trust (WCMET) exists to support the ministerial development of women in the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church. They administer the provision of grants to female clergy, female accredited lay workers, and religious sisters in England and Scotland in need of financial support for their continuing training.
Please use the link to the Church of England website to apply.
Turn2us
A national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. Visit their website to find out more.
Independent Age
Reducing the complexity of the social security system for older people. Visit their website for help and advice.
Additional Curates Society
The purpose of the ACS is to ensure that the Christian Faith is proclaimed in poor and populous parishes. It does this by funding assistant priests, and encouraging vocations to the priesthood. Visit the website for more information.
Jesus College Family Grants
Jesus College Chapel makes annual grants to assist the educaction of children whose parents are ordained while they are at school. Visit the website for more information.