Grants and Finance
District Advance Fund Grants
The District Advance Fund (DAF) provides grants for initiatives that develop new work and/or further the mission of the church. Grants are made in line with the criteria as set out in the District's Grants Policy, which is available to download below.
The following streams are currently open for applications. Further information about each stream can be found in the Grants Policy.
1. New Places for New People
The District is committed to continue to bring the Good News to all people, and as such applications are welcome for new and emerging initiatives that enable people who would not normally come into contact with the church, to encounter God. Applicants to this fund will also be considered for the Connexional God For All funding, and this will be completed as part of the same process. The Connexional criteria are strict, and as such the first step in applying for funding under this stream is to contact the District's Mission Officer: NPNP Lead, Danielle Wilson.
2. Net Zero 2030 Improvements
The District seeks to ensure that churches and Circuits are enabled to develop their buildings to create sustainable spaces that serve the mission of the Methodist Church. As such, support may be requested with various eco projects such as improvements to buildings that will make them more sustainable, including manses, and the creation or improvement of green spaces as part of a missional outreach.
3. Church Growth Support, including the employment of lay staff.
The District understands that fatigue and capacity can be a roadblock to mission and the ongoing function of churches. Churches and Circuits seeking to employ lay workers may apply under this stream for up to 50% of the cost. This could include employing lay workers to support ongoing outreach work such as children's activities or work with older people, the development of church premises such as development workers and building managers, or Faith Rooted Community Organisers. In exceptional circumstances, applications for administrative and property support may be considered if this will release resources for mission and ministry.
In the first instance, applicants should contact the Mission Officer: Discipleship and Church Development Lead, Jo Yair.
4. Children and Young People
The District commits to support missional activities that help support and encourage young people in their discipleship. Funds can be applied for to support church-based youth and children's work, including leadership training for young people.
In the first instance, applicants should contact the Mission Officer: Children, Youth and Intergenerational Ministry Lead, Charlotte Scrivens.
5. Justice Seeking Church
The District is committed to continuing work alongside communities who may be isolated or suffering from deprivation, recognising the excellent work done in this area by the legacy Districts. Examples of work that may benefit from funding under this stream include inner city community spaces and hubs, rural chaplaincies in areas where there may be limited infrastructure, work with groups of people that experience discrimination or initiatives that engage with those living in economically deprived areas.
6. Small Grants
Small Grants of up to £2000 are available to support community events, seasonal celebrations or one-off costs of church and community activities. This could include a holiday club, a seasonal event with a strong community based element such as an Easter Fair, equipment for community outreach activities such as Film Clubs or the cost of ongoing engagement projects such as Warm Spaces.
7. Training
There is a small fund available each year to support the ongoing development of ministers, office holders, lay workers and Local Preachers and Worship Leaders. This could include ACAT courses for Treasurers, or theological and professional qualifications relevant to the work of the District and the Methodist Church.
8. General Property Grants
Where there is a strong missional plan for sustainable church growth, funds may be made available for general property works that do not come under the Net Zero stream. Examples include projects to improve accessibility that will enable equality of access for users, or the development or reordering of a church premises to support mission and sustainability. Unless there is an exceptional circumstance, general maintenance and repairs will not be funded.
Before applying under this steam, applicants should speak with the District's Property Consultant, Matthew McDade, and ensure that their project is entered onto the Property Consents portal.
How to apply
In the first instance, please contact the Grants Officer with an outline of your request and to receive a copy of the relevant Grant Application Form. They will then signpost you to members of the District Team who will work with you to help you to articulate your vision and mission so that your application can be as good as it can be.
When you are ready to apply, please send the completed application form and any supporting documentation to the Grants Officer by email before the deadline. Dates of future meetings and application deadlines are as follows:
Grants Committee Meetings and Application Deadlines
- 4th November 2026, application deadline 5th October
- 27th January 2027, application deadline 4th January
- 5th May 2027, application deadline 12th April
- 7th July 2027, application deadline 7th June
The District Grants Policy and Application Forms are currently being updated. Please contact the Grants Officer for information.