The United Reformed Church (Northern Province) Trust

The United Reformed Church (Northern Province) Trust is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (charity number 1132154).

The Trust exists to advance the Christian religion for the public's benefit, in line with the doctrines, principles and Basis of Union of the United Reformed Church. It supports local United Reformed Churches in North East England through financial, advisory and technical help. Its five grant categories are Church Property, Manse Property, Mission, Ministries & Training, and Youth & Children's Work. Its annual giving was £416,405, according to the annual report.

Priority Areas

The foundation supports local United Reformed Churches in North East England through financial, advisory and technical help. Its grants are distributed to churches, other religious organisations and individuals in accordance with the purpose of each fund. Its stated priorities include repairing, maintaining and enhancing church and manse buildings; promoting mission, outreach and innovative expressions of church life; providing lay and ministerial education and learning; enabling individuals to attend events and workshops for young people; and offering small welfare benevolences to people in need. The Mission Fund aims to help Northern Synod churches be lively, informed and effective in their local settings. Grants are normally contributions towards costs with a timeframe for claiming them. Small Mission applications are decided by committee on the paper application, while large applications also require a verbal presentation.

Themes

• Church and manse buildings
• Mission and outreach
• Innovative church life
• Lay and ministerial learning
• Youth events and workshops
• Welfare benevolence

Geographic Focus

N E England: County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear counties in United Kingdom.

For small Mission grants, the Synod Executive Committee decides on the paper application. Large grant applicants also give a verbal presentation to the committee, as well as submitting the paper application.

Deadlines: The agenda is finalised two or three weeks before each committee meeting; applicants are advised to check the deadline with the Synod Office.

Who can apply:

• Mission grants: Applicant churches should be up to date with their M&M payments.

What to send:

• Mission grants
  • Copies of quotations or estimates.
  • Your church’s most recent signed annual accounts, if not already sent.
  • Your church’s current reserves policy, if not part of the accounts.
  • A job description and contract of employment, if relevant.

Applying again: Tiny Grants: Multiple Tiny Grants applications will not be considered for the same missional activity.

What the charity says:

• Significant unrestricted reserves may affect whether a grant is awarded and the amount offered.
• Applicant churches are expected to be up to date with their M&M payments.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact the Synod Office with questions.
• Successful churches share information about their project at a Synod meeting and provide a short written report, with photographs where possible.