The British And Foreign Unitarian Association (incorporated)

Charity Number: 255205

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Quick Stats

  • Legal Status: Charitable company (Charity No. 255205)
  • Founded: 1825
  • Annual Giving: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: England, Wales, and New Zealand
  • Application Process: No public application process

Contact Details

Address: Essex Hall, Essex Street, London WC2R 3HY

Phone: 020 7240 2384

Email: info@unitarian.org.uk

Overview

The British and Foreign Unitarian Association (BFUA) was founded in 1825 as an amalgamation of three older societies: the Unitarian Book Society for literature (1791), the Unitarian Fund for mission work (1806), and the Unitarian Association for civil rights (1818/1819). It became an incorporated body in 1915 and served as the major Unitarian organization in Britain until 1928, when it merged with other bodies to form the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.

Today, the BFUA continues to exist as a separate legal entity serving as the official legal arm and custodian trustee for the General Assembly and various Unitarian congregations and trusts. Its primary function is to act as a Trust Corporation, managing pooled investment portfolios and holding property and funds for Unitarian bodies. While registered as a grant-making charity that makes grants to both individuals and organizations in the area of religion, the BFUA does not operate a public grant application process. In 2025, the organization celebrated its 200th anniversary.

Funding Priorities

Grant-Making Activities

The BFUA is registered with the Charity Commission as making grants to:

  • Individuals
  • Other charities and voluntary bodies
  • Organizations promoting Unitarian and Free Christian religious principles

Purpose: The promotion of religion in accordance with the principles of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches.

Historically, the organization gave money to congregations that needed financial support and employed itinerant missionaries to spread Unitarian principles.

Primary Activities

Beyond grant-making, the BFUA:

  • Provides buildings, facilities, and open space
  • Provides services to Unitarian organizations
  • Offers advocacy, advice, and information
  • Acts as an umbrella or resource body
  • Manages pooled investment portfolios for trusts

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions are publicly documented, though the focus is exclusively on supporting Unitarian and Free Christian religious activities.

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Governance and Leadership

The BFUA operates under Articles of Association originally adopted on 14 July 1915, amended on 7 January 1937, with new articles adopted by special resolution on 14 March 2018.

The organization is managed by a board of directors/trustees, though specific names and positions are not publicly listed on the Charity Commission register. The BFUA works closely with the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, sharing the same contact address at Essex Hall in London.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

The British and Foreign Unitarian Association does not have a public application process.

The BFUA primarily functions as a custodian trustee managing existing trusts and funds on behalf of Unitarian congregations and bodies. Grant decisions appear to be made at the discretion of the trustees based on the organization's custodial responsibilities and the needs of the Unitarian communities they serve.

Organizations or individuals seeking funding for Unitarian-related activities should instead consider:

  • The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches - which operates various funding programs including an Innovation Challenge Fund
  • Regional District Associations - such as the London District and South Eastern Provincial Assembly (Charity 233390), which has an active grant-making program for congregations
  • Specific Unitarian trusts - including the Hibbert Trust, the Case Fund, and the John Gregson Trust

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the organization's structure and function, potential beneficiaries are typically:

  • Existing Unitarian congregations for which the BFUA serves as custodian trustee
  • Unitarian bodies already within the General Assembly network
  • Organizations identified through the General Assembly's committees and leadership

The BFUA's role as custodian trustee means it manages funds designated for specific Unitarian purposes rather than operating as an independent grant-maker with open applications. Engagement should focus on the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches, which is the active umbrella organization for British Unitarianism.

Application Success Factors

Given the lack of a public application process, success in receiving support from BFUA-managed funds likely depends on:

  • Existing relationships: Being part of the established Unitarian network in England, Wales, or New Zealand
  • Alignment with Unitarian principles: Promoting religion in accordance with Unitarian and Free Christian values
  • Identified need: Having a recognized need within the Unitarian community that aligns with the purposes of the specific trust funds the BFUA manages
  • Trustee discretion: Decisions made by the BFUA board based on their custodial responsibilities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The BFUA functions primarily as a custodian trustee and legal entity rather than an active grant-making body with public applications
  • Organizations seeking Unitarian-related funding should approach the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches or regional District Associations instead
  • The BFUA's grant-making appears limited to its role managing designated trust funds for specific Unitarian purposes
  • With over 200 years of history, the BFUA represents continuity and stability in British Unitarianism but has evolved from its original mission-focused grant-making to primarily custodial functions
  • Direct contact through info@unitarian.org.uk may provide clarity on whether any public funding opportunities exist
  • The organization shares contact details with the General Assembly, suggesting close operational integration

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