Finance Resources
Revd Dick Gray is the Synod Treasurer
Contact Dick on 01626 891309 or e-mail Dick
Synod Finance
The SW Synod has sources of Finance derived from current churches, redundant churches, investments and bequests that are used to fund the work of the United Reformed Church in the South West.
The role of the Treasurer is to ensure that these funds are used wisely and in ways that support the Mission of the United Reformed Church in the South West, but also to provide monies where needed for the work undertaken on behalf of the Synod. Thus moneys are used to pay for our professional staff in the Synod, to meet the costs of running the Synod and to support the Ministry of the Church to the people of the South West. Increasingly the various denominations are working together and we also support the Ecumenical Bodies in our region.
The Treasurer and the Property and Trust Officer are also available to help churches manage their financial activities and the stewardship of their property.
The Synod also makes grants to support the work of local churches in enhancing their Mission activities, and helping them to connect with the communities they support. Details of the types of activity we support and the ways to apply for grants are on the Finance Documents page.
Grants & Loans available from the Synod
The Synod makes available several grants to support churches and their members.
Enabling Grants
Enabling grants are available to churches who would like to do something in their church life but need extra financial help. There is a simple process to apply for small grants up to £2500 and greater generosity in large grants up to £25000 per annum. For significant grants churches are advised to consult with their local Pastoral Advisor before submitting any grant application. For further information see the Enabling Grants guidance notes.
We are also offering grants to add or improve a church’s AV and streaming systems. We will contribute up to 50% of the costs up to a grant limit of £10,000. For United Churches this will be 25% up to £5,000. We would expect to see at least 2 quotes. We are able to recommend possible suppliers if needed.
Enabling Grants are considered by the Synod Executive Committee.
Property Grants
The Synod offers grants to maintain property used by the church. This includes both churches and manses. A Facelift Grant can be claimed not more than every 5 years to a maximum of £10,000 (£5,000 for United Churches) which is for work to maintain or improve a building. The grant is for 50% of the costs involved (25% for United churches). The application is submitted as a part of the Building Property Management application.
In addition the Synod offers a 10% grant to maintain property used by the church (5% for United Churches) on any works not covered by a Facelift Grant. Application is on the Property Management Repairs Form.
Property Grants are dealt with by the Synod Property Committee.
Eco Grants
The Trustees have agreed to introduce an Eco Grant. Its prime purpose being to encourage churches in all manner of eco-friendly schemes from bat boxes to LED lighting schemes and shows their commitment to this topical and worth-while agenda.
Obviously for bigger schemes (such as boiler replacements, insulation, solar panels) the Synod encourages use of the Facelift Grants (50%) and the Property 10% grant (LEPs FLG 25% / Property 5% Grant).
The Eco-Grant will be useful in a variety of ways to help churches develop eco best practice via incremental steps a bit like the loaves and the fishes by starting in a small way and building up to make a huge difference.
The Eco-Grant will provide 50% or up to £3000 (25% or up to £1500 for an LEP) and can be applied for at any time for eco-related projects by completing the Property Form in the usual way.
Training Grants
The Synod makes available to ministers, grants in line with the central agreements, to fund Education for Ministry level 3 activities. These grants are dealt with by your local Synod Pastoral Advisor.
There are also Training Grants available for lay people for up to £250. These are dealt with by your local Synod Pastoral Advisor.
Youth Work Grants
The Synod makes available grants for Youth Work. These are for a maximum of £500. Larger grants may be available under the Mission Grants scheme above.