Particular Baptist Fund

Quick Stats

• Founded: 1717 (over 300 years ago)
• Annual Income: £235,301 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £419,688 (2024)
• Grant Range: £1,200 - £18,000 (educational grants); up to 80% of pastor salary costs (Start/Restart grants)
• Loan Range: £25,000 - £100,000 (interest-free building loans)
• Geographic Focus: Great Britain, Ireland, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man
• Theological Position: Particular Baptist (Reformed/Calvinist theology)

Contact Details

Secretary: Fiona Strasser

Address: The Secretary, Particular Baptist Fund, 25 Riversdale Road, Ashford TN23 7TP

Email: pbfsecretary@gmail.com

Phone: 07719 220987

Website: www.pbfund.org.uk

Membership Enquiries: info@pbfund.org.uk

Overview

The Particular Baptist Fund, founded on June 4, 1717 by six London Particular Baptist Churches, is one of the UK's oldest grant-making charities supporting Reformed Baptist ministry. With over 300 years of continuous operation, the Fund's formal charitable object is “advancing the Christian religion in accordance with the doctrines of Particular Baptists in Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.”

The Fund provides comprehensive support for future, present, and retired pastors and churches through grants, loans, and educational assistance. Notable historical beneficiaries include John Gill (who later became one of its Managers) and William Carey. The Fund has evolved from supporting 55 ministers in 1718 to providing diverse grant programs that include church planting, theological education, ministerial apprenticeships, benevolent support, and building project loans.

With an annual expenditure of £419,688 (2024), the Fund thoroughly investigates all proposals to ensure project viability, cultural relevance, and alignment with its theological position. The organization brings together approximately 25 member churches from the Baptist Union, Grace Baptist families, and Independent Baptist networks, making it “the only UK organisation to unite these groupings in a common endeavour.”

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Educational Grants (deadline: 31 May annually)

• Church Training Grant (CTG): £6,000 one-year grant for churches offering structured training to candidates testing their call to pastoral ministry
• Theological Education Support Grant (TESG): Up to £18,000 over the life of a course for students training for pastoral ministry or pastors undertaking first-level training
• Ministerial Apprenticeship Grant (MAG): £12,000 renewable for a second year to churches providing practical apprenticeship opportunities for students who have completed academic training
• Supplementary Theological Education Support Grant (STESG): £1,200 for full-time ministers undertaking further study
• Higher Theological Education Support Grant (HTESG): Up to £18,000 for pastors seeking higher-level study to qualify for theological college teaching

Start | Restart Grants (rolling application)

• Up to 80% of pastor/evangelist employment costs for new church plants and churches in decline seeking revival
• Initial grant period of three years
• Further grants may be available on a declining profile
• Supports churches across all UK regions including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland

Benevolent Grants (rolling application)

• For retired full-time pastors on low income
• For dependents of retired pastors
• Occasionally for serving pastors with special financial need

Building Project Loans (rolling application)

• Interest-free loans between £25,000 and £100,000
• 10-year term
• For extensions, improvements, or new purchases of church buildings

Special Projects Grant

• Listed on website but specific details not publicly available; contact Secretary for information

Priority Areas

The Fund supports organizations and individuals who align with Particular Baptist doctrines, which center on Reformed/Calvinist theology. The word “Particular” refers to the doctrine expressing that "in God's mysterious eternal purposes the death of Jesus Christ was intended from before the foundation of the world to accomplish the salvation of a 'particular', or specific, group of people."

Priority areas include:

• Training and education of pastoral candidates
• Church planting and revitalization
• Support for active and retired ministers in financial need
• Building projects for churches preaching Particular Baptist doctrines
• Theological colleges and libraries aligned with Reformed Baptist theology

What They Don't Fund

While explicit exclusions are not detailed on their website, the primary restriction is theological:

• The Fund specifically supports those adhering to Particular Baptist doctrines (Reformed/Calvinist theology)
• Support is limited to churches and ministers where Particular Baptist doctrines are preached
• Geographic restriction: Only Great Britain, Ireland, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man
• For employment positions, a “Genuine Occupational Requirement” exists that applicants have personal commitment to Christian Faith and uphold the Basis of Faith of the PBF

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Governance and Leadership

The Fund is governed by an Executive of Trustees elected by representatives from member churches who attend twice-yearly meetings. No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The charity operates under a scheme of the Charity Commissioners dated 27 August 2004, as amended 20 October 2010 and 23 October 2024.

Current Trustees:

Gareth Jones, Chairman

• Pastor at Pantiles Baptist Church
• Background in commercial underwriting before pastoral training at Mitcham Baptist Church
• Converted while at school

Eric Cousins

• Deacon at Pantiles Baptist Church
• Qualified accountant
• Previously worked for Christian Witness to Israel and Grace Baptist Trust Corporation

Daryl Jones

• Mission Director at Grace Baptist Mission
• Team leader at GBM Mission Centre, leads radio team
• Member of Abbey Baptist Church

Margaret O'Mara

• Director at Grace Baptist Charities Ltd
• Retired civil servant
• Treasurer at College Park Baptist Church

Paul Barton

• Pastor at Hyde Heath Baptist Church
• From Liverpool, converted at age 11
• Experienced in church revitalization

Sarah Creedy

• Member of Grace Church Guildford
• Qualified solicitor
• Former Borough Councillor with extensive governance experience

Historical Leadership Note

Thomas Hollis became the first Trustee and one of the treasurers and benefactors. Historically, the Fund referred to its governing body as “Managers,” and a legacy was received to pay for meals for Managers attending meetings—a tradition still maintained at their half-yearly meetings.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Initial Contact: Email the Secretary at pbfsecretary@gmail.com for all grant programs and loans. This is the primary contact point for discussing eligibility and application requirements.

Educational Grants:

• Application deadline: 31 May before each academic year starting in September
• Email Secretary at pbfsecretary@gmail.com to apply
• Student testimonials are available on the website for reference

Start | Restart Grants:

• Rolling application basis
• Email Secretary at pbfsecretary@gmail.com
• The Fund thoroughly investigates all proposals for project viability, cultural relevance, and theological alignment

Benevolent Grants:

• Email Secretary at pbfsecretary@gmail.com
• No specific deadlines mentioned

Building Project Loans:

• Email Secretary at pbfsecretary@gmail.com
• No specific deadlines mentioned

Special Projects Grant:

• Contact details not explicitly stated; recommend emailing pbfsecretary@gmail.com

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly documented. However:

• Educational grants have an annual cycle with 31 May deadline for September start
• The Fund conducts thorough investigation of proposals, suggesting a careful review process
• For specific timeline information, contact the Secretary directly

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly available. The Fund does not publish statistics on application numbers versus awards made.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated on the Fund's public materials. Contact the Secretary for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Key Considerations for Applicants

Theological Alignment is Essential

The Fund's primary criterion is alignment with Particular Baptist doctrines. Applicants should demonstrate understanding and commitment to Reformed/Calvinist theology. The Fund investigates proposals to ensure theological alignment with their position.

Project Viability and Cultural Relevance

For Start/Restart Grants, the Fund thoroughly examines:

• Whether the project is viable
• Cultural relevance to the community
• Theological alignment with the Fund's position

These three factors suggest applicants should provide clear evidence of community need, realistic project planning, and theological compatibility.

Structured Training Plans

For the Church Training Grant (CTG), churches must demonstrate they can offer “structured training” to potential ministry candidates. This suggests detailed training plans and mentorship arrangements should be included in applications.

Long-term Ministry Intent

The progression from Church Training Grant (£6,000) to Theological Education Support Grant (£18,000) to Ministerial Apprenticeship Grant (£12,000) suggests the Fund values comprehensive preparation for pastoral ministry. Applications should demonstrate serious long-term commitment to pastoral work.

Church Commitment for Apprenticeships

For MAG grants, churches must demonstrate willingness to provide genuine apprenticeship opportunities with appropriate supervision and practical training for graduates needing more experience before taking up a pastorate.

Member Church Connection

While not explicitly required, being part of a member church network (approximately 25 churches from Baptist Union, Grace Baptist families, or Independent Baptists) may facilitate the application process. Churches "in sympathy with the Fund's aims and beliefs“ who make ”a small annual donation to the Fund's capital" can become members.

Historical Context

The Fund has supported notable figures like John Gill and William Carey, and helped establish an academy in Stepney that became Regent's Park College. This history suggests the Fund values excellence in theological education and long-term impact on Baptist ministry.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Theological alignment with Particular Baptist (Reformed/Calvinist) doctrine is non-negotiable - ensure your church or ministry clearly adheres to these theological positions before applying
• Contact the Secretary early - with rolling applications and an investigation process, early dialogue with pbfsecretary@gmail.com can clarify eligibility and expectations
• For educational grants, meet the 31 May deadline - this is a firm annual deadline for grants supporting theological education starting in September
• Demonstrate project viability and cultural relevance - particularly for Start/Restart Grants, provide clear evidence of community need and realistic planning
• Consider the full pathway of support - the Fund offers a comprehensive journey from initial church training through academic study to practical apprenticeship, so think strategically about multiple grant applications over time
• Building projects can access significant interest-free loans - £25,000-£100,000 over 10 years represents substantial support worth exploring for churches with building needs
• Member churches may have advantaged access - consider membership (small annual donation required) to deepen relationship with the Fund and attend twice-yearly meetings

References

1. Particular Baptist Fund official website - www.pbfund.org.uk
2. UK Charity Commission Register of Charities - Charity Number 240979, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/240979
3. Particular Baptist Fund - Educational Grants page, https://pbfund.org.uk/educational-grants/
4. Particular Baptist Fund - Start | Restart Grants page, https://pbfund.org.uk/start-restart-grants/
5. Particular Baptist Fund - Benevolent Grants page, https://pbfund.org.uk/benevolent-grants/
6. Particular Baptist Fund - Building Project Loans page, https://pbfund.org.uk/building-project-loans/
7. Particular Baptist Fund - Trustees page, https://pbfund.org.uk/trustees/
8. Particular Baptist Fund - Our History page, https://pbfund.org.uk/our-history/
9. Particular Baptist Fund - Our Members page, https://pbfund.org.uk/our-members/
10. Strict Baptist Historical Society - The Particular Baptist Fund, https://www.sbhs.org.uk/articles/pbfund/
11. Baptist Union of Great Britain - The Particular Baptist Fund, https://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/505742/The_Particular_Baptist.aspx