Useful tips when researching possible donors and funders
- Think about the type of potential funder that you want to approach. There are several types of potential funders, including trusts, foundations, corporate funders, statutory bodies, and philanthropic individuals who may be able to support your activities.
- Understand the potential funder’s areas of interest, the fit with your church, and the projects/activities that need funding. The funder may be interested in the restoration of church buildings, promoting Christianity, or reaching marginalised community groups.
- Funders have different application procedures, so it is important to note any key elements in their process, including deadlines. Some may require an application form to be completed, while others have an online quiz to assess your suitability for their grants.
- Think about the target amount that you will be seeking from this donor, taking their areas of interest and track record into consideration.
Useful sources for your research into possible donors and funders
- Ecclesiastical’s list of grant funders for churches
- Online databases with details of trusts and foundations, including:
- Church Grants (subscription)
- Funds Online (subscription)
- Grants Online (free and subscription)
- The Heritage Funding Directory (free)
- Some denominations have detailed resources available that can help with your research. For example, the Church of England has developed a national list of charitable grants for churches.
- Your local or regional church body (for example, your diocese) may have information about local funding opportunities that could be available to support your church and your activities/projects.
- The Charity Commission has information on all UK-registered trusts and foundations, including annual reports, names, and contact details of Trustees.
- Funders themselves are often useful sources of information about how to write a stronger application. Benefact Trust has useful guidance on how to get grant funding, to read before you start your applications.
- Websites of other churches (and benefices) for information on their current or recent projects or fundraising campaigns, as this may include a list that names their supporters.
This guidance is provided for information purposes and is general and educational in nature. Nothing constitutes legal advice. You are free to choose whether or not to use it and it should not be considered a substitute for seeking professional legal help in specific circumstances. Where links are provided to third-party sites and resources, these links are provided for your information only. Ecclesiastical is not responsible for the contents of those sites or resources.