The Baptist Union Of Great Britain

Quick Stats

• Charity Number: 1181392
• Annual Expenditure: £11,647,188
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales
• Member Churches: 1,875 churches
• Membership: 100,103 members
• Regional Associations: 13
• Grant Types: Multiple programs including Home Mission, building grants, ministerial support, and pastoral care

Contact Details

Main Office:

• Baptist House, PO Box 44, 129 Broadway, Didcot, OX11 8RT
• Telephone: 01235 517700 (also: 01235 517743)
• Email: supportservices@baptist.org.uk
• Website: www.baptist.org.uk

Specialist Contacts:

• Ministries Team: ministries@baptist.org.uk
• Baptist Building CIO: admin@baptistbuilding.org / 07506 663761

Overview

The Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB), also known as Baptists Together, was founded in 1813 when 45 Particular Baptist churches in London came together to form a united organization. In 1891, General Baptist and Particular Baptist work formally merged, creating the modern Baptist Union. Today, BUGB serves as the national body for Baptist churches across England and Wales, comprising 1,875 churches with over 100,000 members organized through 13 regional associations and supported by 5 Baptist colleges.

The Union operates with the vision of "Growing healthy Churches in relationship for God's mission," providing encouragement, advice, and support to member churches to maximize their ability to make Jesus Christ known to individuals and society. Led by General Secretary Lynn Green (the first woman to hold this position, appointed in 2013), BUGB provides strategic direction, practical resources, and financial support through various grant programs. The organization emphasizes covenant relationships, interdependence, and supporting churches particularly where ministry is most needed.

BUGB's grant-making is distinctive in its focus on supporting its member churches and accredited ministers, with approximately half of all Home Mission giving redistributed as grants to churches and church-related ministries each year.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Home Mission Grants (via Regional Associations)

• Managed and distributed by 13 regional Baptist associations since 2013
• Available to churches in membership of the Baptist Union and their appropriate association
• Typically covers up to 50% of minister's stipend (excluding housing costs)
• Supports church ministries, pioneers, and mission workers
• Application process varies by regional association
• Churches must demonstrate financial need and usually give to Home Mission and BMS World Mission

Baptist Building CIO - Empowering Change Fund

• Amount: £5,000 - £25,000
• Purpose: Small-scale building projects that directly further church mission and ministry
• Eligibility: Small Baptist churches in rural or deprived urban areas with:
• Regular weekly attendance of no more than 50 adults
• Maximum annual income of £50,000 on general fund
• Membership of an approved Baptist Union in the UK
• Project costs less than £60,000 (standalone projects only)
• Application: Download form from www.baptistbuilding.org/our-grants
• Note: Grant cycles are periodic; check website for current availability

Further Studies Grants

• For accredited Baptist ministers pursuing higher degrees or approved qualifications
• Amount not publicly specified
• Contact: ministries@baptist.org.uk
• Supporting ministers in theological education and professional development

Continuing Ministerial Development (CMD) Grants

• Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 30 January 2026 (annual cycle)
• For ministers who participate in annual CMD audit meetings
• Available to ministers in churches unable to fund development activities
• Available to chaplains or pioneers without CMD budgets
• Finances needs identified during CMD audit meetings
• Application form available as downloadable DOC file (124 KB)

Pastoral Funds Grant

• Eligibility: Baptist workers including accredited/non-accredited ministers, youth workers, family workers, staff employed by BUGB churches, associations, colleges, Baptist Union, or BMS World Mission
• Purpose: Financial hardship or personal difficulty (not for student bursaries or sabbatical study)
• Requires: Referee (typically Baptist Regional Minister or Specialist Team Leader)
• Can apply for yourself or on behalf of someone else

Psalms and Hymns Support Fund

• Specifically for widows, widowers, and orphans of Baptist ministers
• Also supports retired Baptist workers
• Operates in conjunction with Pastoral Funds Grant

Priority Areas

BUGB's five core values guide all funding decisions:

1. Spirit-Led Communities – Supporting churches seeking Christ's will and purpose
2. One Team – Celebrating diversity and ensuring inclusion
3. Adventure – Supporting pioneering ministry and risk-taking in mission
4. Inspiring Others – Energizing people to become all God created them to be
5. Hunger for God's Kingdom – Confronting injustice and challenging worldly values

Funding focuses on:

• Mission and evangelism projects
• Ministerial support and development
• Church building projects supporting mission
• Financial support for Baptist workers in hardship
• Small churches in rural or deprived urban areas
• Leadership development and theological education
• Church sustainability and growth

What They Don't Fund

While explicit exclusions are not publicly listed, the following are implicit from eligibility criteria:

• Non-Baptist churches (must be BUGB member churches)
• Large-scale building projects (Baptist Building CIO limits projects to under £60,000)
• Larger churches with substantial resources (Baptist Building CIO targets churches with income under £50,000)
• Student bursaries (explicitly excluded from Pastoral Funds)
• Sabbatical study (explicitly excluded from Pastoral Funds)
• Standalone heating and lighting projects (best funded as part of larger projects)
• Projects outside England and Wales (though international mission supported through BMS)

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Governance and Leadership

Core Leadership Team

General Secretary: The Revd Lynn Green

• First female General Secretary of BUGB (appointed 2013)
• On her appointment, stated: “I believe that our union is ready for generational change... It is time to cast off the institutional mindset that has served us well in the past, and embrace a new way of being for the 21st century.”
• Recently elected as BWA Vice Chair of the Baptist World Alliance (2025)

Trustee Board (12 members elected by Council)

Moderator of Trustee Board: Peter King

• Legal Director at HM Treasury (2017-2025), leading team of 100+ providing legal advice to ministers and civil servants

Other Trustees:

• Andrew Cowley – Senior minister, Leigh Road Baptist Church; business management background
• Jeniya Gwendu – Pastor at Cranbrook Baptist Church
• Phil Jump – Regional Minister for NWBA since 2001
• Suzie Leveson – HR Consultant and Leadership Coach; 20 years HR experience including Tearfund
• Philip Lutterodt – Christian minister specializing in theological education
• Mohan Pandian – Treasurer; Chartered Accountant, Non Equity Partner at Ernst & Young
• Mark Spriggs – Transformation Programme Manager in NHS; 20+ years public sector experience
• Shayla Waugh – Former BMS World Mission missionary; doctoral candidate in practical theology

Additional Leadership:

• The Revd Seidel Abel Boanerges – Moderator of Council
• Rachel Stone – HR and Safeguarding Specialist Team Leader
• The Revd Diane Watts – Faith and Society Team Leader
• The Revd Tim Fergusson – Ministries Team Co-Leader
• The Revd Lee Johnson – Ministries Team Co-Leader
• Chris Jones – Support Services Team Leader

Regional Structure

BUGB operates through 13 regional Baptist associations, each with regional ministers and administration staff who support local churches:

1. Central Baptist Association
2. East Midland Baptist Association
3. Eastern Baptist Association
4. Heart of England Baptist Association
5. London Baptists
6. North Western Baptist Association
7. Northern Baptist Association
8. South Eastern Baptist Association
9. South Wales Baptist Association
10. South West Baptist Association
11. Southern Counties Baptist Association
12. West of England Baptist Association
13. Yorkshire Baptist Association

How to Apply to The Baptist Union Of Great Britain

How to Apply

Home Mission Grants:

• Contact your local Baptist Regional Association directly
• Regional associations manage all Home Mission grant applications and decisions (since 2013)
• Application processes vary by region
• Typically requires support from a Regional Minister
• Churches must demonstrate financial need and alignment with mission priorities

Baptist Building CIO - Empowering Change Fund:

• Download application form from www.baptistbuilding.org/our-grants
• Email completed form to admin@baptistbuilding.org
• Grant cycles are periodic (not continuously open)
• Check website for current availability

CMD Grants:

• Download application form (DOC format) from baptist.org.uk
• Annual deadline: 30 January 2026
• Must participate in annual CMD audit meetings
• Application addresses financing needs identified in audit meetings

Further Studies Grants:

• Contact ministries@baptist.org.uk for application details
• For accredited Baptist ministers only
• Must be towards higher degree or approved qualification costs

Pastoral Funds & Psalms and Hymns Support Fund:

• Application form available on baptist.org.uk
• Requires referee (Baptist Regional Minister or Specialist Team Leader)
• Applications can be made by the individual or on their behalf
• Must explain financial need and provide evidence of eligibility

Decision Timeline

General Guidance:

• Home Mission grants: Timelines vary by regional association; typically several months
• Baptist Building CIO: Approximately 4-6 months from application to funding
• CMD Grants: Decisions made after January 30 deadline; specific timeline not published
• Pastoral Funds: Timeline not specified; appears to be assessed on individual basis

Comparative Baptist Grant Timelines (from related organizations):

• Initial application review: 5-7 business days typical
• Full decision process: 4-6 months common
• Committee review and approval: Varies by grant type and amount

Note: Timelines are indicative based on similar Baptist grant-making bodies, as specific BUGB timelines are not publicly documented for all programs.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies are not publicly documented. Applicants should:

• Contact the specific grant program administrator for guidance
• For Home Mission grants, speak with your Regional Association
• For other programs, contact Baptist House directly
• No documented restrictions on reapplication found in available materials

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Baptist Union Values:

The Union prioritizes applications demonstrating Spirit-led decision-making, adventurous pioneering, commitment to justice, and desire to inspire others. Applications should show how projects align with the five core values and the vision of "Growing healthy Churches in relationship for God's mission."

Evidence and Data:

According to Baptist Insurance (which serves the Baptist community), successful applications include:

• Local or national data demonstrating community need
• Statistics highlighting why your project is needed
• Community consultation evidence (focus groups, questionnaires, consultation events)
• Clear outcomes and measurable impact

Partnership and Collaboration:

Funders look favorably on churches working in partnership with other organizations. Demonstrating collaboration strengthens applications.

Financial Stewardship:

For Home Mission grants, churches should:

• Demonstrate clear financial need through accounts and budgets
• Show regular giving to Home Mission and BMS World Mission
• Have a track record of responsible financial management
• Evidence that reserves have been considered

Mission Focus:

Baptist Building CIO states they are “looking to contribute towards more mission-focused small building projects.” Applications must clearly show:

• How the building work enables mission strategy
• That the project is essential to mission, not just desirable
• Direct connection between physical work and missional outcomes
• Evidence of ongoing mission strategy beyond the project

Clear and Concise Presentation:

Baptist Insurance advises: “Make the application easy to read and set out in a succinct and logical format, and avoid jargon.” Applications should cover:

• The need for the project
• The solution your church is offering
• What the outcomes will be
• Logical structure and professional presentation

Testimony - One Minister's Experience:

A Yorkshire Baptist Association minister shared about Further Studies Grants: “I could not have even dreamt of doing this further study without” support from his church and “grants from the wider Baptist family including the YBA grant for Post Graduate Studies.”

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Membership is Essential: Nearly all BUGB grants require membership of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and appropriate regional association. Ensure your church's membership is current before applying.

1. Regional Associations are the Gateway: For Home Mission grants (the largest grant program), you must work through your regional association. Build strong relationships with your Regional Minister and association staff.

1. Mission Must Drive Building Projects: Baptist Building CIO emphasizes that building work must be “mission-focused” and form “an essential component of enabling that mission strategy.” Physical projects without clear missional purpose are unlikely to succeed.

1. Small Churches are Prioritized: The Empowering Change Fund specifically targets churches with attendance under 50 adults and income under £50,000, with focus on rural or deprived urban areas. BUGB deliberately directs resources “where it is most needed.”

1. Demonstrate Partnership: Show how your church gives back to the Union through Home Mission giving and demonstrates covenant relationships with other Baptist churches. Reciprocity matters in this interconnected network.

1. Use Evidence and Data: Follow the advice from Baptist Insurance (closely aligned with BUGB) to include statistics, community consultation evidence, and clear outcomes in applications.

1. Multiple Grant Sources May Be Available: Don't overlook the combination of Union-level grants, regional association grants, Baptist Building CIO grants, and other Baptist-related funders like Baptist Insurance grants.

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

• The Baptist Missionary Society
• Our Kids
• Great Lakes Outreach
• The Church Fund
• The Church Charity
• Church House

References

• Vision and Values: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/226987/Vision_and_Values.aspx
• Grants page: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/349419/Grants.aspx
• Core Leadership Team: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/220600/Core_Leadership_Team.aspx
• Trustee Board: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/220798/Trustee_Board.aspx
• Home Mission Grants: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/220714/Grants_from_Home.aspx
• Further Studies Grants: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/368877/Further_Studies_Grants.aspx
• Pastoral Funds Grant: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/448876/Pastoral_Funds_Grant.aspx
• CMD Grant Application: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/701916/CMD_forms_grant.aspx
• Regional Associations: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/220608/Baptist_Regional_Associations.aspx

• Empowering Change Fund: https://www.baptistbuilding.org/our-grants
• About Baptist Building CIO: https://www.baptistbuilding.org/about

• Charity number 1181392 registration: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1181392

1. Baptists Together - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptists_Together

1. Baptist Insurance - Grant Application Tips: https://www.baptist-insurance.co.uk/church-fundraising/five-top-tips-grant-application/

1. Yorkshire Baptist Association - "BU Further Studies Grants - One Man's Experience": https://www.yba.org.uk/around-the-church/bu-further-studies-grants-one-mans-experience

1. Eastern Baptist Association - Grant Eligibility: https://www.easternbaptist.org.uk/home-mission/grant-eligibility/

• “Lynn Green elected new General Secretary”: 2013
• “Stipend set for 2024”
• "'We are looking to contribute towards more mission-focused small building projects'" (Baptist Building CIO interview)

All sources