Barnabas Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £19,535,756 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation/partnership only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Varies by project type (individual project costs range from £25 to tens of thousands)
• Geographic Focus: Over 60 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa
• Projects Supported: 300-400 projects annually
• Application Method: Invitation only through established partnerships

Contact Details

Website: www.barnabasaid.org / www.barnabasfund.org

Email: info@barnabasfund.org

Phone: 01672 564938

Address: Barnabas Aid, Unit 23, Ash, Kembrey Park, Swindon, SN2 8UN

Note: Contact details are provided for informational purposes. This organization does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Overview

Barnabas Fund, operating as Barnabas Aid, was established in 1993 to support persecuted and discriminated Christians worldwide. With an income of £19.5 million (2023) and expenditure of £18.2 million, the organization works under the motto “From Christians through Christians to Christians.” Since inception, Barnabas has funded an estimated 5,000 projects across 109 countries, currently operating 300-400 projects annually in approximately 50-60 countries.

The organization receives donations which are distributed through Barnabas Aid International to local churches and Christian organizations, primarily in Asia and Africa. Rather than accepting public applications, Barnabas solicits proposals from ministries and awards grants mostly to long-time partners—churches and Christian organizations that have proven accountable and are well-positioned to carry out the work. The organization operates with a lean structure: 27 UK employees and 400 volunteers, with fewer than 100 employees worldwide.

Current Status: Following whistleblower complaints in 2024, the organization underwent significant restructuring. Colin Bloom was appointed as International CEO in April 2024 to lead recovery efforts. The UK Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry in September 2024, investigating allegations of unauthorized payments, conflicts of interest, and financial impropriety.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Barnabas Aid operates through 11 main assistance categories, funding projects identified through their established partner network:

1. Basic Needs

Provides food and practical aid to impoverished Christians. Examples include rice milling machines in Southeast Asia and food parcels to struggling believers.

2. Christian Resources

Distributes Bibles in local languages to persecuted communities. Recent project: 200,000 Bibles for Christians in Myanmar.

3. Christian Schools

Supports 140 schools across 9 countries, assisting over 13,000 children. Major focus: 121 Christian schools in Pakistan serving the poorest Christian children, including 33 primary schools in brick-kiln areas.

• Typical costs: £9/month supports one Pakistani child's schooling; £25 covers a teacher's monthly salary in simple schools

4. Christian Workers

Funds pastors, church planters, and local missionaries. Recent support: 148 full-time Christian workers (18 pastors and 130 evangelists) in 9 countries.

5. Convert Care

Provides practical and spiritual support to new believers facing family rejection, job loss, or persecution. Recent support: 1,700 converts in 4 countries.

6. Disaster Relief

Rapid response to catastrophes. Recent example: Turkey-Syria earthquake (2023) - over 7,000 believers received aid within three days, including 1,500 food boxes in Aleppo, emergency shelter, and wood-burning heaters.

7. Leadership Training (Shepherd's Academy)

Theological education for church leaders across the Global South. Recent support: 6,000 individuals in 26 countries received training.

8. Medical Care

Operates health centers and clinics providing free treatment to marginalized Christian communities. Recent support: 9 medical projects helping approximately 1,009,000 individuals in 10 countries.

9. Small Business

Empowers Christians economically through sewing machines, livestock, and entrepreneurship training. Recent support: 4,600 individuals in 9 countries.

• Typical costs: Vary by country and business type

10. Victims of Violence

Relief and trauma counseling for Christians displaced by anti-Christian persecution. Example: Support for over 5,300 Christians in Myanmar affected by conflict (2022-2023).

• Typical costs: £25 provides monthly food parcel for a family of five

11. Water Projects

Funds wells, boreholes, and purification systems for communities denied clean water access.

Priority Areas

• Persecution Response: Christians facing discrimination, harassment, and persecution
• Education: Particularly for children in impoverished Christian communities
• Emergency Relief: Rapid response to natural disasters and conflict situations
• Church Support: Building/repairing worship spaces, supporting clergy
• Economic Empowerment: Small business and livelihood projects
• Healthcare Access: Medical facilities in underserved Christian communities
• Leadership Development: Theological training for church leaders

Geographic Focus

Primary regions: Asia and Africa, with particular concentration in:

• Pakistan: Major schools program (121 schools, 11,000+ children)
• Myanmar: Bible distribution, food aid, support for displaced Christians
• Syria: Disaster relief, humanitarian aid
• Other countries: 50-60 countries total across Middle East, Asia, Africa, and other regions where Christians face persecution

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside their established partner network
• Organizations not focused on persecuted Christian communities
• Initiatives unrelated to their 11 core assistance categories
• General charitable work not connected to Christian faith advancement

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Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

Colin Bloom, International CEO (appointed April 2024)

Bloom is an experienced leader with a career in government and politics, author of the Bloom Review on how government engages with faith communities. He was brought in to lead organizational recovery following the governance crisis. On his first day, Bloom acknowledged: “We as an organization have done wrong” and committed to “own our mistakes and corporately repent.”

Governance Structure

• Trustees: 6
• Employees: 27 (UK), fewer than 100 worldwide
• Volunteers: 400
• Trustee Compensation: One or more trustees receive payments or benefits for services beyond their trustee role

Historical Leadership

Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo, Founder and former International Director (22 years)

Sookhdeo founded Barnabas Aid in 1993 and served as International Director until August 2024. He received three international awards in 2023 for his work supporting persecuted Christians. However, following an independent investigation triggered by over 100 whistleblower complaints, Sookhdeo and three other senior officials were suspended in August 2024. The investigation found evidence of a “toxic work environment,” serious financial impropriety, and unauthorized payments. Sookhdeo and his wife were arrested in November 2024 on charges of fraud and money laundering.

Governance Crisis (2024)

In August 2024, the boards of Barnabas Aid in Australia, New Zealand, USA, and UK jointly required Patrick and Rosemary Sookhdeo, Caroline Kerslake, and Prasad Phillips to resign following an investigation that revealed:

• Serious and repeated contraventions of internal policies
• Creation of a toxic work environment
• Significant payments to founders and others close to them that “cannot be readily explained”
• Refusal by founders to cooperate with explanations of questionable transactions

Regulatory Status

UK Charity Commission Statutory Inquiry (opened September 17, 2024)

The Commission escalated from a regulatory compliance case to a full statutory inquiry, investigating:

• Allegations of unauthorized payments to current and former trustees and related parties
• Allegations that founders have inappropriate control or influence over operations
• Possible unmanaged conflicts of interest
• The charity's structure and relationship with Nexcus (US subsidiary) and whether it serves the charity's best interests

Financial Sanctions (imposed October 3, 2024)

The Commission restricted payments exceeding £4,000 to "protect the charity's income and assets." This remains in effect during the ongoing inquiry.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Barnabas Fund does not have a public application process. The organization does not accept unsolicited grant applications from external organizations or individuals.

Their funding model operates exclusively through:

1. Established Partnerships: Long-term relationships with local churches and Christian organizations in countries where Christians face persecution
2. Solicited Proposals: The organization actively solicits proposals from ministries within their existing network
3. Internal Identification: A Projects Department identifies needs through field contacts and assesses project applications against strict criteria
4. Trusted Partners: Grants are awarded “mostly to long-time partners, most of them churches that have proven to be accountable and are well positioned to carry out the work”

The organization describes their approach as channeling money “through existing structures in the countries where funds are sent (e.g. local churches or Christian organisations), using the money to fund projects which have been developed by local Christians in their own communities, countries or regions.”

Getting on Their Radar

Note: Given the organization's current regulatory status and ongoing Charity Commission inquiry, forming new partnerships may be extremely limited during this period.

For organizations working with persecuted Christians in Asia, Africa, or the Middle East:

Field Presence: Barnabas identifies needs through field contacts and established networks in regions where Christians face persecution. Organizations already operating in these contexts with demonstrated impact may come to their attention through:

• Referrals from existing Barnabas partners
• Regional Christian networks and church associations in persecution contexts
• Long-term presence and accountability in communities facing discrimination

Demonstration of Accountability: The organization emphasizes that grants go to partners “that have proven to be accountable.” This suggests they value:

• Track record of responsible fund management
• Transparent reporting on project outcomes
• Established presence in the local community
• Church-based or Christian organization structure

Focus Alignment: Organizations specifically addressing one or more of their 11 core assistance categories in persecution contexts would be most relevant.

Patience and Relationship Building: The emphasis on “long-time partners” suggests that any relationship with Barnabas develops over years, not months.

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only, partnership-based model and current organizational crisis, traditional “application success factors” do not apply. However, understanding what Barnabas historically valued may provide context:

Historical Partnership Criteria

1. Long-term Presence: Barnabas emphasized relationships with “long-time partners” rather than one-off project funding
2. Proven Accountability: Financial transparency and responsible stewardship were critical selection factors
3. Local Christian Leadership: Projects “developed by local Christians in their own communities, countries or regions”
4. Persecution Context: Organizations serving Christians facing discrimination, harassment, or persecution
5. Church Connection: Strong preference for church-based initiatives or Christian organizations
6. Demonstrable Impact: Evidence of effective work in one or more of their 11 core assistance areas

Barnabas's Stated Approach

From their materials: “It solicits proposals from ministries—awarding grants mostly to long-time partners, most of them churches that have proven to be accountable and are well positioned to carry out the work.”

The organization maintained a Projects Department that “prepares project applications for the committee and monitors the end use of funds, with very strict criteria when assessing project applications.”

Important Considerations for 2025

Any organization considering future engagement with Barnabas Fund should:

• Monitor the outcome of the Charity Commission inquiry
• Understand that new partnerships are likely extremely limited during restructuring
• Be aware that operational capacity and funding levels have decreased
• Recognize that organizational ethos and priorities may shift under new leadership

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Not a Viable Funding Source for Most Organizations: Barnabas Fund does not accept unsolicited applications and works exclusively through established, long-term partnerships with local churches and Christian organizations in persecution contexts.

1. Significant Regulatory Issues: The organization is under statutory inquiry by the UK Charity Commission with financial sanctions in place. The outcome of this investigation may significantly impact future operations.

1. Narrow Focus: Funding is restricted to Christian organizations serving persecuted believers in approximately 50-60 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa.

1. Partnership-Based Model: Even within their focus area, Barnabas solicits proposals from within their existing network rather than accepting external applications. Building a relationship would take years, not months.

1. Operational Uncertainty: Leadership changes, staff departures, and decreased project funding (down 17% year-over-year Q1 2024 to Q1 2025) create uncertainty about future grant-making capacity.

1. 11 Core Program Areas: Organizations must align with one of their specific assistance categories (Basic Needs, Christian Resources, Schools, Workers, Convert Care, Disaster Relief, Leadership Training, Medical Care, Small Business, Violence Victims, Water Projects).

1. Lean Operation: With fewer than 100 employees worldwide managing £19.5 million in annual giving across 300-400 projects, the organization relies on established systems and trusted partners rather than relationship-building with new organizations.

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• Christian Aid
• PROSTATE CANCER UK
• Motor Neurone Disease Association
• KIDNEY RESEARCH UK
• World Cancer Research Fund
• Tommy's
• Medical Research Foundation
• Bone Cancer Research Trust
• WELLBEING OF WOMEN
• The Hill Foundation
• THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND
• TEARFUND
• THE ROYAL MARSDEN CANCER CHARITY
• THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY
• JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION LIMITED
• CAUDWELL CHILDREN
• ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA APPEAL LIMITED
• OXFORD HOSPITALS CHARITY
• Hospices of Hope Limited
• CHASDEI SHOLOM

References

1. UK Charity Commission, “BARNABAS FUND - Charity Overview (Charity Number 1092935),” Register of Charities, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1092935

1. UK Government/Charity Commission, "Charity Commission restricts international aid charity's spending amidst a statutory inquiry," GOV.UK, October 3, 2024, https://www.gov.uk/government/news/charity-commission-restricts-international-aid-charitys-spending-amidst-a-statutory-inquiry

1. Barnabas Aid, “How we help,” official website, https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/about/how-we-help/

1. Barnabas Aid, "What's happening at Barnabas Aid," official website, https://www.barnabasaid.org/gb/charity-commission-statement/

1. MinistryWatch, “Barnabas Fund has Long Track Record, but Questions Remain,”, https://ministrywatch.com/barnabas-fund-has-long-track-record-but-questions-remain/

1. Christianity Today, “UK Regulators Investigate Barnabas Aid over Reports of Misused Funds,” October 2024, https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/10/barnabas-aid-investigation-fund-uk-finance-charity-commission-sookhdeo/

1. Christianity Today, “New CEO Trying to Save Barnabas Aid,” July 2025, https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/07/new-ceo-colin-bloom-save-barnabas-aid/

1. MinistryWatch, “Barnabas Aid Founder Resigns Over Financial Mismanagement Allegations,”, https://ministrywatch.com/barnabas-aid-founder-forced-to-resign-over-financial-mismanagement-allegations/

1. Premier Christian News, "'Chaos' at one of the biggest UK Christian charities as founders suspended,", https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/chaos-at-one-of-the-biggest-uk-christian-charities-as-founders-suspended

1. Barnabas Aid, “Getting to Know Barnabas - An Aid Agency for the Persecuted Church,” Barnabas Aid Magazine, https://www.barnabasaid.org/us/magazine/getting-to-know-barnabas-an-aid-agency-for-the-persecuted-church/