The New England Company

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £350,000 (approximate, based on annual income disbursement policy)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified (rolling basis)
• Grant Range: Not specified - varies by project
• Geographic Focus: Canada and West Indies/Bermuda exclusively

Contact Details

• Website: www.newenglandcompany.org
• Email: thesecretary@newenglandcompany.org (for grant applications)
• General Email: nikkijohnson500@gmail.com
• Phone: 01444 882898
• Registered Office: Flinders Cottage, The Street, Bolney, Haywards Heath, RH17 5QW
• Charity Number: 224425 (England and Wales)

Overview

The New England Company, established in 1649, is Britain's oldest extant Anglican missionary society and operates exclusively as a grant-giving charity. With a Royal Charter granted in 1662, the organization has evolved significantly from its original mission of sending missionaries to North America. Following American independence, it redirected its focus to Canada and expanded to the West Indies in the 1790s. Today, the Company disburses its entire annual net income (approximately £350,000 based on 2023 income figures) to support Christian mission and ministry projects. With total expenditure of £739,479 in 2023, the organization demonstrates its commitment to furthering the work of the Church amongst indigenous peoples of Canada and communities in the West Indies and Bermuda, with particular emphasis on ministry training and capacity building.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Company operates a single grant program with rolling applications processed through two distinct routes:

Route 1 - Diocesan Applications: For projects supported by Anglican dioceses in Canada or the West Indies, requiring diocesan Bishop approval and signature.

Route 2 - Direct Applications: For recognized theological colleges and institutes providing ordained or lay ministry training (e.g., Vancouver School of Theology, Jessie Salter Institute, Codrington College).

Application Method: Rolling basis via email to thesecretary@newenglandcompany.org

Priority Areas

The Company funds projects aligned with “promoting and propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ amongst the indigenous peoples of Canada and the peoples of the countries comprising the Province of the West Indies and Bermuda.” Specific funding areas include:

• Ministry Training: Scholarships and training fee assistance for clergy and lay workers; support for ordinands; diocesan courses and gatherings for lay or clergy training
• Church Infrastructure: Building maintenance and repairs; retreat centre development
• Social Ministry: Church-sponsored social work; healthcare delivery; feeding programs for elderly in inner city areas; restoration of children's homes
• Mission Development: Youth ministry enhancement; church planting initiatives; Inuit deacon training
• Capacity Building: IT and travel costs for ordained ministry; distance learning support; travel costs to bring people together for training

Recent funded initiatives include Vancouver School of Theology summer school, Guyana clergy training programs, and Codrington College distance learning.

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside Canada, West Indies, and Bermuda
• Projects not aligned with Anglican Church mission and ministry
• Organizations without diocesan support or recognized theological training credentials
• General appeals not connected to their geographic and missional priorities

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Governance and Leadership

The Company is governed by a board of Trustees known as “the Court,” which oversees all grant allocation decisions. Specific trustee names are not publicly listed on their website.

The organization works closely with Anglican Church leadership across its regions of operation. The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has provided a testimonial stating: "The New England Company's support has transformed lives in the Diocese of Athabasca."

The Company's Secretary serves as the primary contact for grant applications and organizational communications.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Diocesan-Based Projects:

1. Obtain approval and signature from your diocesan Bishop
2. Use the appropriate application form (separate forms for Canadian dioceses and West Indies dioceses available on website)
3. Submit via email to thesecretary@newenglandcompany.org

For Theological Colleges/Institutes:

1. Ensure your institution is recognized for providing ordained or lay ministry training aligned with the Company's criteria
2. Submit application directly via email to thesecretary@newenglandcompany.org

Decision Timeline

The Company does not specify exact decision timelines. Applications appear to be processed on a rolling basis throughout the year. The Trustees (the Court) review applications and make funding decisions as submissions are received.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly available. The organization's policy is to disburse its total annual net income to qualifying projects, suggesting that well-aligned applications supported by proper church authorities have strong prospects.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is stated. Organizations may presumably reapply for future projects, particularly given the ongoing relationships the Company maintains with dioceses and theological institutions.

Application Success Factors

Strong Alignment with Mission: The Company has a very specific geographic and missional focus. Successful applications must demonstrate clear alignment with promoting the Gospel among indigenous peoples in Canada or communities in the West Indies and Bermuda.

Emphasis on Training and Capacity Building: The organization places particular emphasis on “the training of the ministry.” Projects that build long-term capacity through education, training, and leadership development align well with their strategic priorities. As noted on their website, “the New England Company continues to offer resources for mission and ministry projects that nurture a vision for healing and self-determination” for Indigenous Anglicans.

Proper Church Authorization: For diocesan projects, Bishop approval and signature is mandatory. This requirement underscores the importance of demonstrating that projects have proper church governance oversight and support.

Focus on Transformation: The testimonial from the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada emphasizes transformation: "The New England Company's support has transformed lives in the Diocese of Athabasca." Applications should articulate how funding will create meaningful, lasting impact in communities.

Collaborative Approach: The Company describes itself as working “alongside dioceses and institutions in Canada and the West Indies...welcoming grant applications.” This suggests they value partnership and ongoing relationships rather than one-off funding requests.

Diverse Project Types: While ministry training is central, the Company has funded a wide range of projects including youth ministries, healthcare, social programs, infrastructure, and church planting. Don't assume training is the only fundable category.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute: Only projects in Canada, West Indies, or Bermuda are eligible - there are no exceptions for UK-based work despite the charity's UK registration.
• Bishop approval is typically required: Unless you represent a recognized theological college, you must secure diocesan Bishop approval before applying - start with this relationship first.
• Training and capacity building are central: Frame projects around long-term ministry development and indigenous self-determination rather than short-term relief or one-off programs.
• The entire annual income is disbursed: With a policy of distributing all net income annually (approximately £350,000), there is significant funding available for well-aligned projects.
• Applications are rolling: No fixed deadlines means you can apply when ready, but also means funding may be committed at any time during the year.
• Relationship-based funding: The Company maintains ongoing relationships with dioceses and theological institutions - building a long-term connection may be more valuable than a single application.
• Demonstrate church authority support: Whether through Bishop signature or recognized theological institution status, showing proper ecclesiastical authorization is essential.

References

• The New England Company official website - Grants page. https://newenglandcompany.org/grants/
• The New England Company official website - Homepage. https://newenglandcompany.org/
• The New England Company official website - Our History page. https://newenglandcompany.org/our-history/
• UK Charity Commission Register - The New England Company (224425). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/224425
• NGO Explorer - The New England Company profile. https://ngoexplorer.org/charity/224425
• Testimonial from The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, as quoted on newenglandcompany.org