Faithworks met with civil servants and Government Ministers over the course of last year to represent churches’ concerns about their ability to access government funding for church-run community and regeneration projects. Churches from all denominations have found that the application procedures for government funding are often long, bureaucratic and unco-ordinated between various government departments.

These concerns of Faithworks and other voluntary groups have prompted the Home Office’s Active Community Unit to introduce the website with the aim of simplifying, rationalising and integrating the small grants application process for small community groups in England (i.e. for grants under £30,000). The website includes a specific reference to ensure that the particular needs of minority groups, including faith-based groups, are fully addressed and specific provision made where appropriate.

The most exciting function of the website, and one which Faithworks recommended in its consultation, is the replacement of around 15 different forms from four different Government departments for various community grants with one, standard online application form for all grants.

This exciting initiative is one product of an ongoing dialogue between Faithworks and the Home Office’s Active Community Unit (ACU) which exists to promote voluntary and community activity and support a healthy and cost effective voluntary sector. Following the Chancellor’s recent announcement of an extra £300 million to boost the ACU’s work, Faithworks this week met with Senior members of the Unit and will continue to press for the needs of church-based community projects to be at the forefront of the ACU’s future plans and funding priorities.

Steve Chalke, Faithworks Founder comments:

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