Multi-church applications

Cloudesley can support applications from groups of eligible Islington churches for funding projects and/or works that fit within our usual Church Object.

We have developed some initial guidance to support churches which are interested in working together to submit a joint application. Trustees will adopt a flexible approach to this guidance, taking into consideration the details of the funding request. We are keen to develop this guidance further, so please do contact us if you would like to make any suggestions about this.

At present, Cloudesley does not usually fund salaried posts through its Church Object. The charity’s policy position on this will be considered again as part of the next Church Grants Review in 2024/25. In the meantime, if any multi-church applications are received which seek funding towards salary costs, these will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

The usual upper limit for Church Grants is now £65,000 and it is expected that most of the Church Grants budget will continue to be allocated to support individual church applications in the usual way. In most instances, it is expected that the upper limit for any multi-church applications will be £100,000, although it is also possible that applications may be for amounts significantly less than this.

At the same time as being part of a multi-church application, a church may wish to submit its own application through a funding round. Rather than ruling this out, Trustees have agreed that the specific circumstances will be taken into consideration at the time.

Guidance for churches

  • Any multi-church applications received will need to fall within the current funding priorities
  • Applicant churches are strongly encouraged to contact the charity’s Grants Managers for a discussion before submitting a proposal
  • Applications should be submitted online in the Spring or Autumn funding round in the usual way. Additional information may be requested after an application has been made. The general information required to support applications will usually be needed from all churches involved, for example if an application is made on behalf of three churches, all three PCCs will be expected to approve the application and evidence of this will need to be submitted. The level of financial information required should be discussed with the Grants Managers before the application is made and will depend on the circumstances
  • The application should include a clear explanation of the proposed project delivery, including decision-making arrangements, details of the management of any posts for which funding is sought and the allocation of resources
  • It is expected that there will be a written agreement/memorandum of understanding between the churches about the proposed project and a copy of this should be submitted with the application. The Grants Managers will be able to give guidance on this, if required
  • The application should identify a lead church which, if funding is agreed, will be responsible for signing the grant agreement and receiving payment of the grant.