The Archbishops' Council

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £150+ million (to dioceses and institutions)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Varies by program (typically 3-6 months)
• Grant Range: £5,000 - £6.5 million+
• Geographic Focus: England (Church of England dioceses and parishes)

Contact Details

• Website: www.churchofengland.org
• Email: info@churchofengland.org
• Phone: 020 7898 1000
• Address: Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ

Overview

The Archbishops' Council, established in 1999 as a registered charity (1074857), serves as the coordinating body for the Church of England's national mission and ministry. With assets exceeding £150 million annually distributed to dioceses and institutions, the Council operates as both a strategic grant-maker and policy coordinator for the Church's 42 dioceses across England. The Council has undergone significant strategic evolution, launching major initiatives including a £25 million Social Impact Investment Programme in 2020 and overseeing £350 million in Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment over three years through 2024. Recent recognition includes successful deployment of innovative funding models addressing clergy wellbeing, building conservation, and community outreach in England's most deprived areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment: £350 million over 3 years distributed via Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board
• Diocesan Investment Programme: £340 million allocated directly to dioceses for strategic development
• Buildings for Mission Minor Repairs: £5,000-£12,000 grants (50-90% funding) for urgent church building repairs
• Strategic Development Funding: Major change projects for dioceses (amounts vary significantly)
• Strategic Transformation Funding: Financial restructuring support for struggling dioceses
• Partnership and Innovation Grants: Research and development funding (amounts not specified)

Priority Areas

• Mission and evangelism in deprived communities
• Training and development of clergy and lay ministers
• Church building conservation and adaptation
• Social justice and environmental initiatives
• Education and lifelong learning programs
• Community outreach and engagement
• Financial sustainability of dioceses

What They Don't Fund

• Routine maintenance and cleaning
• Insurance-covered work
• Church furnishing conservation
• Non-Church of England organizations (generally)
• Individual parish projects without diocesan strategic alignment

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Governance and Leadership

The Council operates under the leadership of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, with a diverse membership including bishops, clergy, and lay representatives. The Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board includes practicing Christians from investment banking, NHS leadership, charity work, and aid agencies. Key personnel bring expertise in strategic leadership, grant-making, impact measurement, and social investment. Recent leadership emphasis, as reflected in strategic documents, focuses on “unprecedented investment in mission and ministry” with particular attention to reaching “more people with the good news of the gospel, prioritising investment in the most deprived communities.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Applications vary by funding stream:

• Diocesan programmes: Applications made through diocesan offices with assigned Vision & Strategy consultants
• Buildings for Mission: Online application form with supporting documentation (quotations, photographs)
• Strategic funding: Diocesan strategic proposals aligned with Church's Vision & Strategy
• Direct institutional grants: Through established diocesan and institutional relationships

Decision Timeline

• Strategic funding decisions: Typically 3-6 months for major grants
• Buildings for Mission: Faster turnaround for smaller grants
• Annual planning cycle aligns with triennium spending plans
• Board meetings occur regularly throughout the year

Success Rates

Success rates not publicly disclosed, though the Council has made 768 recorded grants according to 360Giving data. Applications unsuccessful due to misalignment with strategic priorities are provided with feedback and resubmission guidance.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applications can be resubmitted with modifications. Diocesan support provided to help align applications with funding criteria and strategic objectives.

Application Success Factors

The Council emphasizes alignment with the Church of England's Vision and Strategy for the 2020s. Successful applications demonstrate clear connection to diocesan strategic plans and measurable impact on mission and ministry effectiveness. Recent successful projects include clergy wellbeing initiatives, estates lay pioneer training, and deanery capacity building. The Council particularly values applications showing:

• Clear missional outcomes in deprived communities
• Sustainable long-term impact beyond funding period
• Partnership with other dioceses or national bodies
• Innovation in ministry and outreach approaches
• Financial stewardship and matched funding where appropriate

Applications should use terminology consistent with Church of England strategic documents, emphasizing “mission,” “ministry,” “strategic development,” and “sustainable growth.”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Strategic alignment essential: All applications must demonstrate clear connection to Church of England Vision & Strategy and diocesan plans
• Focus on deprived communities: Priority given to work in England's most disadvantaged areas
• Long-term sustainability: Council favors applications showing lasting impact beyond initial funding period
• Diocesan pathway: Most funding flows through diocesan structures rather than direct parish applications
• Partnership approach: Collaborative applications across dioceses or with national bodies often preferred
• Innovation valued: New approaches to traditional ministry challenges receive favorable consideration
• Financial responsibility: Matched funding and clear financial planning strengthen applications

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• BENEFACT TRUST LIMITED
• Trust for London
• Christian Aid
• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Growing Faith Foundation
• HELP FUND
• CHURCH HOUSE
• CHURCH COMMISSIONERS FOR ENGLAND
• National Lottery
• Bank of England
• THE UNITED SOCIETY
• THRIVE TOGETHER BIRMINGHAM
• THE QUEEN VICTORIA CLERGY FUND
• TRANSFORMING LIVES
• THE CHURCH FUND
• THE SUSTENTATION FUND
• FAITH FOUNDATION
• THE TEMPLE ECCLESIASTICAL CHARITY
• THE WORLD REIMAGINED LIMITED
• TAKE OFF

References

• The Archbishops' Council Annual Report 2023, Church of England
• Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board press releases, Church of England website
• Buildings for Mission programme guidelines, Diocese of Southwark
• Church of England Social Impact Investment Programme Impact Report, May 2023
• Diocesan Finances Review documentation, Church of England 2023-2024
• Charity Commission records for The Archbishops' Council (1074857)