The Norwood And Newton Settlement

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £326,000 (2022/23)
• Grant Range: £1,500 - £30,000
• Number of Grants: Approximately 19 grants per year
• Geographic Focus: Free Churches in England and Wales; Church of England churches in London Borough of Havering
• 10-Year Impact: £2.86 million distributed across 237 projects
• Decision Frequency: Trustees meet 3-4 times annually

Contact Details

Address: 73 Shepherds Hill, Romford RM3 0NP

Phone: 01708 226618

Email: norwoodandnewton@btinternet.com

Website: norwoodandnewton.co.uk

Charity Number: 234964

Note: As of recent updates, the organization is undergoing restructuring and temporarily not accepting new applications. Check the website for current status.

Overview

The Norwood and Newton Settlement was established through the remarkable generosity of Thomas and Esther England, life-long Methodists from Romford. Thomas England, a pharmacist who served as Chairman of Romford Council (1921-22), founded the Norwood Settlement in 1952. Following his death in 1960, his wife Esther established the Newton Settlement. The settlements were named after the maiden names of the founders' mothers, allowing the Englands to remain anonymous benefactors. The two settlements merged in 1996 and are now administered by five committed Christian trustees.

With total income of approximately £457,550 and annual grant distribution around £326,000-£400,000, the Settlement focuses primarily on capital building projects for Free Churches (Non-Church of England) throughout England and Wales, with particular emphasis on the London Borough of Havering area, especially Romford and surrounding areas. Over the past decade, the Settlement has distributed £2.86 million across 237 projects, demonstrating sustained commitment to supporting Christian facilities and church growth.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Main Grant Programme: £1,500 - £30,000

• Capital building projects for Free Churches in England and Wales
• Church of England churches within the London Borough of Havering
• Application method: Formal written applications reviewed at quarterly trustee meetings

Small Grants Scheme: Amount not specified

• Supports local Christian charities in the London Borough of Havering
• One-off projects from Christian charities demonstrating Christian values

Priority Areas

What They Fund:

• Demolition and rebuilding of churches
• Church extensions and upgrades
• Building purchases for conversion (former schools, pubs, industrial/commercial units into places of worship)
• Capital projects undertaken by small Christian charities in the London Borough of Havering
• Projects that support church growth, both numerically and spiritually
• Methodist and other main-line Free Churches' capital building projects

Geographic Weighting:

• Primary focus: Free Churches throughout England and Wales
• Special emphasis: Romford in the London Borough of Havering and surrounding area
• Church of England churches are eligible only within the London Borough of Havering

What They Don't Fund

• General running costs
• Staffing costs
• Equipment
• Repairs or maintenance
• Non-capital projects

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees: The Settlement is administered by five trustees, all of whom are committed Christians. The trustees serve on a voluntary basis with no remuneration, payments, or benefits received from the charity.

Decision-Making Structure: Trustees meet 3-4 times per year to review and consider all fully completed applications received since their previous meeting.

Charitable Philosophy: The Settlement continues the founding philosophy of Thomas England, who believed that “his assets should be used for the good of others.” He was known for giving away money for good causes as well as land for parks, scout halls, and new church buildings throughout his lifetime.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Current Status: The organization is currently undergoing restructuring and has temporarily suspended accepting new grant applications. Applicants should monitor the website (norwoodandnewton.co.uk) for updates on when applications will reopen.

Normal Process (when applications are open):

• Submit a fully completed written application
• Applications are reviewed at trustee meetings held 3-4 times per year
• Trustees consider all complete applications received since their previous meeting
• Application details and forms should be available on the website when the program reopens

Requirements:

• Applications must be fully completed before trustees will consider them
• Applicants must demonstrate Christian values
• Capital building projects must align with the Settlement's focus areas

Decision Timeline

Review Cycle: Applications are reviewed at quarterly trustee meetings (3-4 times annually)

Processing: Decision timelines depend on when your application is received relative to the next trustee meeting. Applications received just after a meeting will wait longer than those received shortly before the next scheduled meeting.

Reapplication Policy

No specific information available regarding reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants. Contact the Settlement directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Founding Vision: The Settlement continues the legacy of Thomas and Esther England's commitment to Methodist and Free Church development. Applications that demonstrate how projects support church growth—both numerically and spiritually—align with the founders' vision.

Geographic Considerations: While the Settlement funds Free Churches throughout England and Wales, there is an explicit “weighting towards Romford in the London Borough of Havering, and the surrounding area.” Projects in or near this area may receive additional consideration.

Capital Project Focus: The Settlement has a clear mandate for capital building projects. Ensure your application focuses on physical building work rather than operational, staffing, or equipment costs. Strong applications will involve demolition and rebuilding, extensions, upgrades, or building conversions.

Completeness of Application: Trustees explicitly review only “fully completed applications.” Incomplete submissions will not be considered, so ensure all required information and documentation is provided.

Christian Values: For the Small Grants Scheme supporting Havering charities, demonstrating Christian values is essential. Make clear connections between your organization's mission and Christian principles.

Realistic Funding Requests: Recent grants have ranged from £1,500 to £30,000, averaging around £17,000 per grant based on 2022/23 figures (£326,000 across 19 grants). Tailor your request to fit within this range and be specific about how Settlement funding will be used within a larger capital project.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Capital projects only: This funder exclusively supports building projects—no operational costs, staffing, equipment, or maintenance
• Free Church focus: Primarily supports Methodist and other main-line Free Churches in England and Wales; Church of England churches eligible only in Havering
• Romford advantage: Projects in Romford and the London Borough of Havering receive priority consideration
• Quarterly decisions: With only 3-4 trustee meetings annually, plan your application timeline carefully—missing a meeting could delay decisions by 3-4 months
• Complete applications essential: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed; ensure all documentation is submitted
• Currently closed: Applications are temporarily suspended during restructuring—monitor the website for reopening announcements
• Legacy-driven: Understanding the founders' Methodist heritage and commitment to church growth can help frame compelling applications

References

• The Norwood and Newton Settlement official website: https://norwoodandnewton.co.uk
• About page: https://norwoodandnewton.co.uk/about
• History page: https://norwoodandnewton.co.uk/history
• Charity Commission Register of Charities: https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=234964&subId=0
• National Churches Trust - Support Organisations: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/get-support/support-organisations/newton-and-norwood-settlement
• Ecclesiastical Church Fundraising: https://www.ecclesiastical.com/church/fundraising/funds/norwood-newton-settlement/