SYNOD gRANTS AND SUPPORT

Download a booklet (PDF) about different grants available

SYNOD BUILDING GRANT - more details in booklet above

What it funds
Large, cyclical repairs e.g. roofs, kitchen, disability access, heating, electrical work. Not retrospective except emergency repairs. Not for fittings, furniture and carpets.

• Apply to the Resources & Compliance Committee, which meets in January, May, September and November. 
• Download application form

SYNOD BUILDING GRANT - DISABILITY ACCESS

What it funds
Ensuring that churches are compliant with disability access by supporting first accessible entrance and accessible toilet.

• Apply to the Resources & Compliance Committee, which meets in January, May, September and November. 
• Download application form

ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANT

What it funds
Improving the Energy Efficiency and Carbon footprint of church buildings.

• Apply to the monthly Grant Panel, via the Synod Finance Officer.
• Download application form

MAJOR BUILDINGS DEVELOPMENT FUND

What it funds
For extension, rebuilding or conversion to new purposes of church buildings.
Not for catch up repairs or small projects. Not offered for projects where one of the primary objectives is income generation.

• Apply to the Trust Board, which meets in February, June, September and November.
• Download application form

LOANS
Interest rate 4%. Repayable over up to 10 years

• Apply to the Trust Board, which meets in February, June, September and November.
• Download application form

MANSE GRANT

What it funds
Heating, windows, roof, bathroom. Not retrospective except emergencies to make manse safe, watertight and with access to lighting and space and water heating. Funds 100% of Major building cost e.g. replacement windows and external doors; replacement of bathrooms and kitchens; replacement of roof including structural elements.

• Apply to the Resources & Compliance Committee, which meets in January, May, September and November. 
• Download application form

MANSE MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE

​What it funds
For ensure essential works done, gas & electrical safety certificates up to date. Up to £750 (£500 2020-2022) against invoices. Carry forward three years- to allow for larger cyclical items.

• Request to Finance Officer who will process according to agreed criteria. Email: finance@urcwestmidlands.org.uk

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of up to £5000 perSYNOD MISSION FUND

What it funds
Projects that fit one or more of the Vision 2020 criteria. Examples: Dementia café; Outreach Workers; Development Workers; Youth Workers.
Small Projects/Small Churches up to £1000, not intended to be annual.
Digital Church-Sliding scale £1000-£4250 (on spending of £10k).
Larger Projects Normally 50% but up to 75%, Initially up to 3 Years.

• Mission Fund Panel meetings February, May, August/September and November
• Download application form

MINISTRY SUPPORT FUND

​What it funds
Church growth, employing additional workers and expenses of ministry that cannot be covered locally. Support beyond standard deployment.

• Ministry Development Committee meetings in February, May, July and October, which review and refer applications to Synod Executive for decision.
• Download application form

​YOUTH GRANT
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What it funds
Individual leaders connected with churches and local ecumenical partnerships to participate in training and learning opportunities that are designed to enable local church mission objectives with children and youth.
Churches and Groups e.g. Holiday Clubs
Individual children and young people connected with churches and local ecumenical partnerships with projects that enable mission objectives. 

• Application to CYDO who refers to Missional Discipleship Development Committee meetings in February, May, July and October for decision.
• Download application form
• it is also worth applying to URC Assembly for a further £100 grant 

TRAINING GRANTS

What they fund
Ministers – sabbaticals, summer school, quiet days and other training events.  £700 per annum EM3; £350 per annum EM2
Lay Preachers – Stepwise, Assembly Accredited and Worship Leaders (Synod Recognised). Assembly Accredited Lay Preachers - £300 per annum; Worship Leaders (previously Synod Recognised Lay Preachers) £300 per annum. Lay Preachers Initial Training – 3 way split between individual, local church & Synod.
Stepwise – discretionary

• Contact the Training & Development Officer who will process according to agreed criteria. Email: tdo@urcwestmidlands.org.uk

DISCIPLESHIP DEVELOPMENT FUND

What it funds
Large Grants (Assembly) of up to £5,000 per annum will contribute to the Discipleship Development of lay people in or connected with the URC.  For recognised groups within the URC for a maximum of 3 years. Contact the Training & Development Officer who refers to Missional Discipleship Development Committee for necessary Synod support.

• Deadlines for applications to Assembly Education & Learning are 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December.

Small Grants of up to £200 per annum to support learning & discipleship of lay people

• Apply at any time to the Training & Development Officer who refers to Missional  Discipleship Development Committee.