The Anglo-catholic Ordination Candidates Fund

Charity Number: 220121

Annual Expenditure: £0.2M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £207,826 (expenditure, 2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: £650 (standard ordinand grant)
  • Geographic Focus: United Kingdom (Church of England and churches in full communion)

Contact Details

  • Website: https://acocf.org.uk
  • Email: secretary@acocf.org.uk
  • Phone: 7525174853
  • General Secretary: Mr Andrew Wilson

Overview

Founded in 1927 by prominent Anglo-Catholic leaders, The Anglo-Catholic Ordination Candidates Fund was established to provide training support for candidates with a clear vocation to the priesthood who could not afford to pay for their theological education. The Fund maintains the Catholic tradition of its founders, supporting ordinands committed to the traditional Anglo-Catholic understanding of the priesthood and episcopate. With total income of £129,663 and expenditure of £207,826 in 2024, the Fund provides grants to individuals preparing for ordained ministry in the Church of England and churches in full communion, as well as supporting theological colleges, training courses, and pastoral assistant schemes at approved institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Annual Ordinand Grants: £650

  • Provided annually to ordinands in theological training
  • Renewable for each subsequent year of pre-ordination training
  • Online application via website

2. Academic Study Grants: Amount varies

  • Additional support for academic study costs not covered by the Church of England
  • Must be requested by college/course principal
  • For Church of England ordinands falling within the Fund's remit

3. Pastoral Assistant Grants: Amount not specified

  • Supports placements on pastoral assistant schemes
  • For potential ordinands exploring vocations to permanent diaconate or priesthood
  • Must be at institutions approved by the Trustees
  • Applications made by the parish priest

Priority Areas

  • Candidates training for Ordained Ministry in the Church of England and churches in full communion
  • Ordinands committed to the traditional Anglo-Catholic understanding of the priesthood and episcopate
  • Theological colleges and training courses
  • Pastoral assistant schemes at approved institutions
  • Priestly formation and theological study

What They Don't Fund

The Fund has a specific theological focus and only supports:

  • Candidates within the Anglo-Catholic tradition
  • Church of England ordinands and those in churches in full communion
  • Institutions and schemes approved by the committee
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Governance and Leadership

The Fund is governed by a committee of trustees. Key personnel include:

  • Mr Andrew Wilson - General Secretary (contact: secretary@acocf.org.uk)

The charity is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 220121) and operates with one trustee according to the most recent filings. The Fund maintains its commitment to the Anglo-Catholic tradition established by its founders in 1927.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Ordinands:

  • Complete the online application form available at https://acocf.org.uk/ordinands/
  • Submit the completed form to secretary@acocf.org.uk
  • Include required documents:
  • CV (in MS Word format)
  • Recent photograph
  • Application should detail:
  • Rule of Life (church attendance, prayer, confession)
  • References (including at least one priest)
  • Income and expenditure details
  • Bishop who accepted you for Ordination
  • Theological College details
  • Planned Ordination details

For Pastoral Assistants:

  • Applications must be made by the parish priest (not the candidate)
  • Must be submitted before the application deadline
  • Include:
  • Statement of the institution/parish's most recent accounts
  • Details of the candidate (including assurance they stand in the Anglo-Catholic tradition)
  • Information about other grant applications made

For Academic Study Grants:

  • Must be requested by college/course principal
  • Available when Church of England does not cover academic study costs

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly stated. Applications are reviewed by the committee of trustees.

Success Rates

Success rates and total number of applications received are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Ordinands who are awarded a grant may apply for a further grant in each subsequent year of pre-ordination training. This indicates a positive reapplication policy for continuing students.

Application Success Factors

Key Requirements:

  • Theological Alignment: Applicants must be committed to the traditional Anglo-Catholic understanding of the priesthood and episcopate. This is a fundamental requirement emphasized throughout the Fund's materials.
  • Rule of Life: Demonstrating a serious commitment to spiritual discipline including regular church attendance, prayer life, and confession is essential.
  • Strong References: At least one reference must come from a priest who can speak to the candidate's vocation and suitability.
  • Financial Need: While not explicitly stated, the Fund's founding purpose was to support those who “could not afford to pay for training,” suggesting financial need remains a consideration.
  • Complete Documentation: Applications must include all required documents, including CV, photograph, and detailed financial information.

Post-Award Expectations:

  • Pastoral assistant grant recipients must provide a written report at the end of their placement
  • Ordinands approaching ordination are expected to send an “Ember Card” to the General Secretary for prayer

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Theological fit is paramount: The Fund explicitly supports the traditional Anglo-Catholic understanding - applicants outside this tradition are unlikely to be successful
  • Multi-year support available: The reapplication policy allows ordinands to receive grants throughout their training period
  • Multiple grant streams: Explore both the standard annual grant and additional academic study support if applicable
  • Parish priest involvement: For pastoral assistant grants, ensure your parish priest is willing to make the application on your behalf
  • Rule of Life matters: Be prepared to demonstrate your spiritual discipline and formation alongside academic progress
  • Relationship with leadership: Sending an Ember Card when approaching ordination helps maintain connection with the Fund
  • Simple application process: Online form submission makes initial application straightforward

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References