The Sola Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £427,147 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: Individual amounts not specified
• Geographic Focus: UK
• Applications: Rolling (no application form)

Contact Details

• Website: www.solatrust.org.uk
• Email: admin@solatrust.org.uk

Overview

The Sola Trust is a UK registered charity (1062739) established in 1997 that focuses on supporting Christian ministry training and gospel work. The Trust provides grants to individuals involved in training for gospel word ministry, whether at theological colleges or through apprentice-style training based at churches. Additionally, they provide grants to churches and other organisations involved in promoting the Christian faith, particularly to assist with launching new ministries. The Trust also occasionally provides grants to gospel workers facing financial hardship.

The trust is conservative evangelical in its theology and successful applicants are likely to be also. The name of the trust was inspired by “Sola Fide” (“by faith alone”), one of the 'alone' cries of the Reformation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The Trust operates three main grant streams:

• Ministry Training Grants: Support for individuals in theological training at colleges or church-based apprenticeships
• New Ministry Launch Grants: Funding for churches and Christian organisations establishing new ministries
• Hardship Support: Occasional grants for gospel workers experiencing financial difficulties

Priority Areas

• Theological education and training
• Gospel word ministry preparation
• Church-based ministry apprenticeships
• New ministry initiatives
• Support for Christian faith promotion activities

What They Don't Fund

Information about specific exclusions is not publicly available, though the Trust's focus is clearly limited to Christian ministry and theological training consistent with conservative evangelical theology.

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Governance and Leadership

Specific trustee and leadership information is not readily available on public platforms. The Trust appears to operate with a relatively low public profile while maintaining consistent grant-making activities.

How to Apply to The Sola Trust

How to Apply

The Sola Trust operates a rolling application process with no application form. The trustees meet several times a year and accept applications at any time. Applicants should send the information outlined on the Trust's website.

The trust prefers to receive applications that demonstrate that applicants have already approached family, friends, churches, individuals amongst whom they have been involved in ministry, other trusts and taken into account personal savings, etc. - where appropriate.

Contact the Trust directly via:

• Email: admin@solatrust.org.uk
• Website: www.solatrust.org.uk/apply

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified. The trustees meet several times a year to consider applications.

Success Rates

Application success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies is not publicly available. Prospective applicants should enquire directly with the Trust.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Trust's stated objectives, successful applications likely demonstrate:

• Alignment with conservative evangelical theology
• Clear connection to gospel word ministry or theological training
• Evidence of genuine ministry calling and commitment
• For organisations: clear plans for new ministry initiatives that advance Christian faith
• For individuals: enrolment in or acceptance to recognised theological training programmes
• Documentation of financial need, particularly for hardship grants
• Evidence of having explored other funding sources (family, friends, churches, other trusts, personal savings)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Sola Trust specifically funds Christian ministry training and gospel work - ensure clear alignment with these objectives
• Conservative evangelical theology is a key requirement - successful applicants are likely to share this theological position
• Both individuals and organisations can receive support, but focus must be on ministry training or new ministry launches
• The Trust has been consistently active since 1997, with recent annual spending of over £400,000
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no application form - contact the Trust directly
• Demonstrate that you have already explored other funding sources before applying
• Consider whether your theological college or church has existing relationships with the Trust

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• Ulting Overseas Trust
• The Brownlee Charitable Trust
• The Milk And Honey Trust
• The Jerusalem Trust
• Fellowship Of St John (uk) Trust Association
• Firstfruits Gospel Foundation
• Westhill Endowment
• Particular Baptist Fund
• John James Charitable Trust
• The Michael And Betty Little Trust

References

• Find that Charity database entry for The Sola Trust (GB-CHC-1062739)
• UK Charity Commission Register entry for charity 1062739
• Financial data from charity annual returns 2004-2024
• The Sola Trust website: www.solatrust.org.uk
• Web search verification conducted March 2026