Gospel Standard Aid And Poor Relief Society

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £157,401 (2024)
• Total Income: £874,866 (2024)
• Geographic Focus: England
• Application Method: No public application process
• Eligibility: Strict Baptist ministers, their widows/dependants, members and regular attendees of Strict Baptist chapels

Contact Details

Secretary: Mr. D. J. Christian

Phone: 01582 762717

Website: www.gospelstandard.org.uk

Charity Number: 209373

Overview

The Gospel Standard Aid and Poor Relief Society is a long-established UK charity founded to provide financial assistance to members of the Strict Baptist community. The organization has been operating since at least the 19th century, with its associated Gadsby Memorial Christmas Fund established in 1894. The charity consists of three distinct funds: The Gospel Standard Aid and Poor Relief Society, The Gadsby Memorial Christmas Fund, and The Gospel Standard Magazine Fund. With total income of £874,866 and charitable expenditure of £238,349 in 2024, the Society maintains a strong financial position with reserves of over £660,000. The organization is governed by 12 trustees, supported by 4 employees and 5 volunteers, and operates throughout England serving the Gospel Standard Strict Baptist denomination, which comprises approximately 6,400 members across 156 churches in the British Isles.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Individual Relief Grants: Amount varies based on need

• Financial assistance to Strict Baptist ministers, their widows and dependants
• Support for members of Strict Baptist churches experiencing hardship
• Aid for regular attendees (minimum 3 years) of Strict Baptist chapels

Gadsby Memorial Christmas Fund: Amount varies

• Special assistance provided at Christmas time
• Available to members or habitual attendants at Strict Baptist places of worship

Chapel Support Grants: Amount varies

• Augmentation of working funds for needy Strict Baptist chapels
• Support for the ministry in those chapels
• Grants dealt with on a cash basis with no long-term commitments

Priority Areas

The Society provides relief specifically for those in need due to:

• Financial hardship
• Sickness
• Infirmity
• Disability
• Old age

All beneficiaries must have a connection to Gospel Standard Strict Baptist chapels, either as ministers, members, or regular attendees.

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals or organizations outside the Strict Baptist community
• Those without at least 3 years of regular attendance at Strict Baptist chapels (unless ministers or church members)
• Organizations unrelated to the Gospel Standard Strict Baptist movement
• Commercial ventures
• Projects outside England

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The charity is governed by 12 trustees known collectively as the Gospel Standard Committee. Key committee members include:

• G. D. Buss (Trustee - signed 2024 financial statements)
• Mr. J. H. Cottington (Committee member)
• Mr. G. W. Hyde (Committee member)
• Mr. D. F. Stevens (Committee member)
• Mr. A. F. Wilderspin (Committee member)
• Mr. M. Cottington (Confirmed for three-year term in 2024)

Governance Structure

The trustees receive no remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. There are two common trustees between the Gospel Standard Aid and Poor Relief Society and the Gospel Standard Trust (charity number 249781). At least two-thirds of the trustees must be members of the Committee of The Gospel Standard Aid and Poor Relief Society, ensuring continuity of the organization's mission and values.

The financial statements were approved on 3rd March 2025, demonstrating active oversight and timely governance.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

This charity does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on proven need to ministers and adherents who qualify under the Society's rules.

The process operates as follows:

• Identification of Need: Subscribers and committee members can inform the Secretary of persons who may be in need
• Forms Available: Forms can be obtained from the Secretary upon request
• Trustee Discretion: The Committee reviews cases and awards grants based on eligibility and demonstrated need
• Informal Contact: The Chairman or Secretary are available to give advice and guidance

To seek assistance, contact the Secretary directly:

• Mr. D. J. Christian: 01582 762717

Decision Timeline

The trustees meet quarterly to review applications and make grant decisions. Grants are dealt with on a cash basis when paid, with no long-term commitments entered.

Application Success Factors

Since this charity operates through trustee discretion rather than a competitive application process, success depends on:

Eligibility Requirements Met

• Connection to Strict Baptist Chapels: Must be a minister, widow/dependant of minister, church member, or have regularly attended for at least 3 years
• Demonstrated Need: Clear evidence of financial hardship, sickness, infirmity, disability or old age
• Qualification Under Trust Deed: Must meet the specific criteria set out in the Society's governing documents

Community Knowledge

• Known Within the Community: Beneficiaries are typically identified through the network of Gospel Standard Strict Baptist chapels
• Subscriber Referrals: Many beneficiaries are brought to the Committee's attention by subscribers or fellow church members
• Minister Awareness: Local ministers and chapel leaders often identify those in need

Nature of the Gospel Standard Community

The Gospel Standard Strict Baptist movement is a close-knit denomination with distinctive characteristics:

• Ministers are usually older men chosen by church members
• Ministers are almost always untrained and rely on divine inspiration
• Many chapels operate without permanent pastors, using visiting preachers
• The community maintains traditional Calvinist theology and worship practices
• There are approximately 6,400 members across 156 churches in the British Isles

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Not Suitable for External Applications: This charity serves its own denominational community and does not accept applications from outside the Gospel Standard Strict Baptist movement
• Relationship-Based Giving: Grants are awarded based on need within an existing faith community, not through competitive grant applications
• Contact for Eligibility: If you have a legitimate connection to Gospel Standard Strict Baptist chapels and are experiencing hardship, contact the Secretary directly rather than submitting a formal application
• Multi-Fund Structure: The charity operates three distinct funds, with the Gadsby Memorial Christmas Fund specifically focused on seasonal assistance
• Chapel Support Available: In addition to individual relief, the charity provides financial support to struggling Strict Baptist chapels for ministry support
• Strong Financial Position: With reserves exceeding £660,000, the charity has capacity to respond to genuine need within its community
• No Public Grant Rounds: This is not a mainstream grant-making charity open to general charitable organizations

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities - Gospel Standard Aid and Poor Relief Society (209373). Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=209373 []
• Gospel Standard Aid and Poor Relief Society Annual Report and Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024. UK Charity Commission. Available through charity register.
• Gospel Standard Society website. Contact information. Available at: https://www.gospelstandard.org.uk/Society/Contact-Us []
• Charity Commission Register - Gadsby Memorial Christmas Fund (209373-1). Available at: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5196 []
• Wikipedia. “List of Strict Baptist churches.” Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Strict_Baptist_churches []
• Theopedia. “Strict Baptist.” Available at: https://theopedia.com/strict-baptist []