Counties

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Historical data shows ??378,000 distributed from 2004-2019 (106 organizations supported)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified (applications reviewed by Operations Manager then sub-group)
• Grant Range: ??1,000 - ??2,000
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales

Contact Details

• Website: www.countiesuk.org
• Email: office@countiesuk.org
• Phone: 01373 823013
• Address: 30 Haynes Road, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 3HD
• Pre-application contact: Potential applicants encouraged to contact Counties office before submitting application form

Overview

Counties (formerly Counties Evangelistic Work, Charity Number 264278) was incorporated on 9th February 1972 with the purpose to “advance the Christian faith by such means being charitable as the trust may determine.” The organization seeks to communicate the Christian faith in a culturally relevant way across England and Wales, encouraging churches in mission through Evangelists, Exhibitions, and other resources. In 2020, Counties fully took over The Evangelization Society (TES), which served the UK from 1864 as a major evangelistic organization. Between 2004-2019, TES provided grants totaling ??378,000 to 106 organizations including itinerant evangelists, Christian ministries, youth work, prison ministries, children's ministries, media outreach, and city missions. Counties actively supports self-employed evangelists involved in local churches, schools, universities, prisons, markets, agricultural shows, and door-to-door contacts. Their mission statement is: “We believe that every person, in every county should be within reach of a church that makes Jesus known to them.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Seed Funding for New Initiatives: ??1,000 - ??2,000 (one-off grants for new evangelistic projects in the UK)
• Application method: Contact office for application form; applications reviewed on rolling basis

Priority Areas

• New pioneer evangelistic projects
• Projects demonstrating networking with other organizations/churches
• Evangelistic initiatives across England and Wales
• Projects involving multiple organizations or churches working together
• Ministry types historically supported: itinerant evangelists, Christian ministries, youth work, prison ministries, children's ministries, media outreach, city missions

What They Don't Fund

• Ongoing salaries
• Retrospective grants (projects already started)
• Organizations with large reserves
• Single church-based or denominational projects
• On-going funding commitments (grants are one-off only)

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Governance and Leadership

Executive Team

• Martin Erwin (CEO): Joined Counties training programme in 1991, subsequently becoming the Counties evangelist for Herefordshire and Worcestershire before assuming CEO role. Oversees Counties operations
• Jonathan Brooks-Martin (Chief Operations Officer): Manages administrative and financial aspects
• Andy Mugford (Evangelists Officer): Responsible for evangelists and planters
• James Hyde (Project & Finance Officer): Handles project planning and financial analysis

Trustees

• Pete Singleton (Chair): Background in business strategy and finance
• Simon Bennett: Chartered Accountant
• Dr. Stephen McQuoid: GLO Europe Director
• Dr. Rachel Jordan-Wolf: Hope Together Executive Director
• Richard Canham: Longtime trustee
• James Davies: Engineering professional

Key Staff

• Beverley Bedford (Training Officer/Project 125 Lead): Oversees development and delivery of Counties training, including The Evangelist Training Programme and TEAM gap year programme
• Kate Lawson (Communications Officer)
• Rachel Rounds (Publications Manager): Writes and edits Ignite magazine and monthly newsletter 'Enews'

Note: No trustees receive any remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

1. Contact Counties office (office@countiesuk.org) for further information and to request an application form
2. Applicants encouraged to discuss enquiry before completing the form
3. Submit application well in advance of project start date
4. Provide required documentation (see below)

Application Requirements

• Information about your organization and the proposed project
• Organization finance: company/charity accounts or income/expenditure information
• Project budget
• Details of any other funding anticipated
• References

Decision Timeline

• Applications initially considered by Counties Operations Manager
• If suitable, reviewed by a Counties sub-group
• Specific timeline not publicly disclosed; contact office for current timeframes

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified; contact Counties office for guidance

Application Success Factors

Key Advice from Counties:

“Applicants are encouraged to show evidence of networking with other organisations/churches.”

What Makes Projects Stand Out

• Pioneer focus: Counties is “particularly interested in new pioneer projects” - emphasize innovative or groundbreaking approaches
• Collaborative approach: Strong evidence of networking with other organizations or churches
• UK evangelistic focus: Clear evangelistic purpose taking place in England and Wales
• Seed funding potential: Projects requiring initial capital to launch, not ongoing operational support
• Strategic planning: Applications submitted well in advance showing thoughtful planning

Historical Context That Informs Current Priorities

Between 1870-2004, over 1400 people served as evangelists through TES/Counties, including William Booth who received several grants in 1867 & 1868 to establish The Salvation Army. This demonstrates Counties' commitment to supporting pioneering evangelistic movements that can have lasting impact.

Types of Ministries Historically Supported

• Itinerant evangelists
• Christian ministries
• Youth work
• Prison ministries
• Children's ministries
• Media outreach
• City missions

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Applications for ongoing salary support (explicitly stated as “not likely to be successful”)
• Retrospective grant requests (projects already started)
• Applications from organizations with large existing reserves
• Single church or denominational projects without broader networking
• Requests for on-going funding commitments

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Grant size is modest but strategic: At ??1,000-??2,000, these are seed grants for new initiatives, so focus on how this funding will launch or pilot a project rather than sustain ongoing work
• Pioneer projects preferred: Position your application as innovative, groundbreaking, or addressing an unmet need in a new way
• Collaboration is crucial: Demonstrate concrete networking relationships with other organizations or churches - this appears to be a key success factor
• Early contact recommended: Reach out to Counties office before submitting to discuss your project and confirm fit
• Timing matters: Submit well in advance of project start; retrospective funding is explicitly not supported
• Keep reserves modest: Organizations with large reserves will not usually be supported - Counties seeks to support those with genuine financial need
• Think beyond denominational boundaries: Single church or denominational projects won't usually be supported; show broader Kingdom impact
• Historical perspective: Counties has supported transformational movements for over 150 years - connect your project to this legacy of pioneering evangelism

References

• Counties website - Grants page: https://www.countiesuk.org/about-us/the-evangelization-society (Accessed: 2025-10-23)
• Counties website - Staff & Trustees: https://www.countiesuk.org/staff-and-trustees (Accessed: 2025-10-23)
• Counties website - Homepage: https://www.countiesuk.org/ (Accessed: 2025-10-23)
• UK Charity Commission Register - Counties (264278): https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=264278&subid=0 (Accessed: 2025-10-23)
• Charity Choice - Counties Profile: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/counties-11853 (Accessed: 2025-10-23)