The New England Company

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £349,913 (2023 income)
• 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)
• Charity Number: 224425 (England and Wales)

Overview

The New England Company, founded by Act of Parliament on 27 July 1649, is the oldest missionary society active in Britain today and operates exclusively as a grant-giving charity. With a Royal Charter granted in 1662, the organisation 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 to support Christian mission and ministry projects. With total expenditure of £739,479 in 2023, the organisation 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 Programmes

The Company operates a single grant programme 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 recognised 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 programmes 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

Funded initiatives include Vancouver School of Theology summer school, Guyana clergy training programmes, 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
• Organisations without diocesan support or recognised 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. The Company has 16 trustees who receive no remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity.

The organisation works closely with Anglican Church leadership across its regions of operation.

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

How to Apply to The New England Company

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 recognised 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 organisation'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. Organisations 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 organisation 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. 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 Authorisation: 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: 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 programmes, 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 recognised 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 programmes.
• 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 recognised theological institution status, showing proper ecclesiastical authorisation is essential.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Uk Foundation For Christian Service
• Blackfriars Overseas Aid Trust
• Fellowship Of St John (uk) Trust Association
• The Christadelphian Hall And Buildings Society Birmingham
• Seafarers Uk (king George's Fund For Sailors)
• The Spalding Memorial Educational Trust
• The Clarkson Foundation
• The Carmela & Ronnie Pignatelli Foundation
• The Ireland Fund Of Great Britain
• Anglo American Foundation

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