The Westminster Fund

The Westminster Fund grants for Christian Science activities

The Westminster Fund is a UK charity supporting the promotion and extension of Christian Science in the UK and mainland Europe. It funds Christian Science churches, societies, informal groups, college organisations and youth groups, generally where there is a financial need. In the UK it supports extended Reading Room opening hours (up to £12,000 over three years), youth camps and events, families attending CS camps and accredited CS nursing facilities.

Apply on the funder’s site

You could get: Up to £12,000; no fixed round
Deadline: Rolling; apply any time
Effort: Moderate; full application with documents

Who can apply

Christian Science churches, societies, informal groups and college organisations, and the organisers of Christian Science youth groups and events, in the UK and mainland Europe; accredited Christian Science nursing facilities
The application must come from the Clerk of the church, society, informal group or college organisation, or the administrator of the facility or youth group
Informal groups' lecture applications in mainland Europe must be sponsored by a church or society
Support is generally subject to there being a financial need, and the organisation's donations, investments and reserves are taken into account
The applicant is normally expected to contribute at least 25% of the total project cost

What it funds

In the UK:

Reading Rooms: branch churches and societies extending their current opening hours (up to £12k for a three-year period, reviewed annually; separate guidelines apply)
Youth groups: youth camps and events, such as Focus UK and Easter Camp, which support the understanding and practice of Christian Science
CS families: branch churches sponsoring families attending Christian Science camps in the UK, mainland Europe and the US
Accredited Christian Science nursing facilities: the cost of running accredited CS nurse training programmes, building work required to comply with local regulations, and sustainable improvements and additions to facilities
In mainland Europe:
Christian Science lectures: normally up to 75% of all lecture costs for churches (second and subsequent lectures in the same year), societies and informal groups, and at least 75% for college organisations
Youth groups supporting Christian Science youth and family groups
Media and technology development: up to 75% for churches upgrading their IT, e.g. video/audio conferencing, livestreaming services and lectures, and website development
Building assistance: structural and other repair work, refurbishment and enhancements to buildings and environs, moves to more efficient settings, and compliance with local accessibility and safety regulations
Accredited Christian Science nursing facilities in mainland Europe

What it will not fund

Individuals (applications must come from the group organising the event or a sponsoring church or society)
Ongoing funding for any project or initiative
Routine building maintenance
Ongoing subscriptions or maintenance fees for media and technology
Expenses already incurred

How to apply

Optionally call the administrator, Francesca, on 07777 120432 to talk through your ideas
Contact the administrator for the application form
Apply before incurring any expenses, with comparable competitive quotations where appropriate, and explain how the grant would affect your financial position
After the project, send a fruitage report

Funding is not automatic and may be less than the amount requested.

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