J F W Deacon's Mabledon Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £169,353 (FY ending April 2025)
• Annual Income: £180,182
• Geographic Focus: England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland
• Established: Registered March 1967
• Beneficiaries: Evangelical clergy, accredited lay ministers, and evangelical church societies

Contact Details

Address: C/O CPAS Finance Department, Sovereign Court One (Unit 3), Sir William Lyons Road, University of Warwick Science Park, Coventry CV4 7EZ

Phone: 03001230780

Email: mail@cpas.org.uk

For Grant Applications: sec@srpc-aid.com or srpc@cpas.org.uk (01926 334242)

Overview

J F W Deacon's Mabledon Charity (Registered Charity 251621) was established in 1967 and operates across the UK to support evangelical Christianity. The charity's primary method of operation is grant-making, providing financial assistance to evangelical church societies as well as individual evangelical clergy and accredited lay ministers experiencing difficult personal circumstances. With an annual expenditure of approximately £169,000, Mabledon distributes funds both directly to evangelical church organizations and indirectly through partnerships with organizations like the Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy (SRPC). The charity is managed with minimal overhead, having one trustee and finance administration handled through the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS). In July 2000, funds were transferred from another related charity (252171 - Charity of John Francis William Deacon for the Tonbridge Branch of YMCA and for Other Purposes) to Mabledon, consolidating its resources.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Grants to Evangelical Church Societies

• Provides grants to evangelical church organizations and voluntary bodies
• Supports periods of rest or retreat for church workers
• Provides conference facilities for evangelical church organizations
• Grant amounts not publicly specified
• Applications managed through CPAS

2. Personal Hardship Grants for Clergy (via SRPC)

• Distributed through the Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy on behalf of Mabledon
• Supports evangelical clergy and accredited lay ministers during difficult personal times
• Categories of need include: bereavement, illness, removals, and other special needs at trustees' discretion
• Also supports widows and widowers of evangelical clergy
• Fund is limited; grants considered based on individual financial and family circumstances
• Grant amounts not publicly specified
• Applications considered in March, May, and October

3. Grants for Children's Christian Holidays (via SRPC)

• Helps with fees for children/young people of evangelical ministers to attend Christian camps
• Aims to provide spiritual benefit and develop leadership potential
• Priority given to clergy attending holidays in leadership positions
• Applications considered in March, May, and October

Priority Areas

• Evangelical Christian ministry and mission
• Support for clergy and lay ministers in the evangelical tradition
• Rest, retreat, and spiritual renewal for church workers
• Youth development through Christian camping and ministry experiences
• Evangelical church societies and voluntary organizations

What They Don't Fund

• Educational purposes (explicitly excluded)
• Normal travelling expenses (explicitly excluded)
• Non-evangelical ministries or organizations
• Applicants must align with CPAS Basis of Faith (evangelical Anglican theology)

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Governance and Leadership

The charity operates with a minimal governance structure, having one trustee. Financial administration is handled through the Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) Finance Department. No trustees receive remuneration for their role. The charity has no trading subsidiaries and is not recognized by HMRC for gift aid purposes.

The charity works in partnership with CPAS (Church Pastoral Aid Society), an Anglican evangelical mission agency founded in 1836, which provides administrative support and distributes some grants on the charity's behalf.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Institutional Grants (Evangelical Church Societies):

Contact CPAS directly at mail@cpas.org.uk or 03001230780. The specific application process for institutional grants to evangelical church societies is not publicly detailed and likely involves direct contact with trustees or CPAS administration.

For Personal Hardship Grants (Clergy/Lay Ministers):

Applications are managed through the Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy (SRPC):

• Visit www.srpc-aid.com for application forms
• Contact sec@srpc-aid.com or srpc@cpas.org.uk
• Phone: 01926 334242

All applicants must be familiar with and agree to CPAS's Basis of Faith, which affirms evangelical Anglican theology including the authority of Scripture, salvation through Christ alone, and the doctrines expressed in the historic creeds.

Decision Timeline

Personal Hardship Grants (via SRPC):

• Applications considered three times per year: March, May, and October
• Applications should be submitted in the second week of the preceding month (February for March consideration, April for May consideration, September for October consideration)
• Decision timeframes from submission to notification are not publicly specified

Institutional Grants:

Decision timelines not publicly specified; likely determined on a case-by-case basis.

Success Rates

Success rates and application volumes are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Given the hardship nature of many grants, it is likely that reapplication is permitted based on need, but applicants should contact SRPC or CPAS directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Theological Alignment is Essential

Applicants must demonstrate alignment with evangelical Anglican theology as expressed in the CPAS Basis of Faith. This includes affirming Scripture as “wholly reliable revelation,” salvation through Christ alone, and commitment to gospel proclamation. Non-evangelical applicants will not be considered.

Demonstrate Genuine Need

For personal hardship grants, the fund is limited and “grants are considered having regard to individual financial and family circumstances.” Applications should clearly demonstrate genuine financial need arising from the specified circumstances (bereavement, illness, removals, etc.).

Specify the Category of Need

SRPC grants are made for specific categories: bereavement, illness, removals, family support for ministry experiences, children's Christian camps, and other special needs at trustees' discretion. Applications should clearly identify which category applies.

Submit at the Right Time

Ensure applications are submitted in the second week of the month preceding the consideration meetings (February, April, or September) to be considered at the next available decision point.

For Children's Holiday Grants, Emphasize Leadership Development

Priority is given to applications from clergy attending Christian holidays in leadership positions, so applications should highlight the leadership development opportunities and spiritual benefits.

For Institutional Grants, Demonstrate Evangelical Mission Impact

Applications from evangelical church societies should demonstrate how the grant will support evangelical mission, gospel proclamation, or the spiritual renewal of church workers through rest, retreat, or conference activities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Evangelical theology is non-negotiable: All applicants must align with CPAS's evangelical Anglican Basis of Faith; this is a fundamental eligibility requirement, not just a preference
• Limited funds require compelling cases: With approximately £169,000 distributed annually and described as “limited funds,” applications must demonstrate genuine need and clear impact
• Two distinct pathways: Understand whether you're applying as an individual clergy member/lay minister (through SRPC) or as an evangelical church organization (through CPAS directly)
• Timing matters: Personal hardship grants have only three consideration periods per year; plan submissions accordingly to avoid delays
• Partnership model: The charity operates through trusted partners (CPAS and SRPC) who handle applications and distribution, so building relationships with these organizations may be beneficial
• Restricted categories for personal grants: Educational expenses and normal travel costs are explicitly excluded; ensure your need fits within the permitted categories
• Leadership development valued: For children's holiday grants, emphasize the leadership aspects and spiritual formation opportunities, as these receive priority

References

1. UK Charity Commission Register - J F W Deacon's Mabledon Charity (251621), Full Print. Accessed via https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/251621/full-print

1. Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) - Grants Page. “Grants | CPAS - Making Mission Possible.” https://www.cpas.org.uk/browse-everything/grants

1. CPAS Basis of Faith. “Basis of Faith | CPAS - Making Mission Possible.” https://www.cpas.org.uk/basis-faith-0

1. Society for the Relief of Poor Clergy application information referenced in diocesan clergy support documents and CPAS materials

1. UK Charity Commission Register - The Society for the Relief of Poor Clergymen (232634), referenced in various diocesan clergy support materials

1. Charity Choice Directory - J F W Deacon's Mabledon Charity. https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/j-f-w-deacons-mabledon-charity-145494