Setting up a grants team
Talking about money is never easy, but it is one of the things that Jesus taught about regularly in the new testament although it should not be a pressure on ministry it can be instrumental for church growth in our country! At the moment our church is not using all of the financial support that we could be.
My church back home has had over 150k in grants last two years for buildings work, youth work and item specific grants – we had £1500 for a PC for the youth workers and a £5000 grant for a youth drum kit and sound system. My church back home is not particularly big, but they set up a grants team of about 5-10 people. I believe you will be in an even stronger position than we were because you have such a passion for the young people in Watford. Last year I understand that SSW only received about 2-5k in grants.
My last church's Grants team had a leader who oversaw and directed the grants process and then each of the members researched grants and bought proposals to their monthly meetings. They subsequently wrote the applications individually which got passed through the group (at least two other people) to check for mistakes or to add information. Grant applications are similar to job applications and need to include things like where/how/why the money will be used and also what the benefit to the community will be. Applications take a long time to draft as they generally need to be done as a formal 'legal' style document.
We have talked briefly to Chris Paskins about this who supports this idea and told us that the church does not wish to receive support from lottery funded groups, which is fair, but it may be an appropriate time to review this. I also have a friend back home who is part of an organisation who award certification to charities based on the service and attitudes towards community. I am told that the certificate that they award makes it easier to receive funding. I am sure he would be happy to access us at some point should we wish to go down that route.
Grants can be a minefield but I am sure the potential benefit will outweigh the effort.
Unity with other churches
Another thing that is taught on a lot in the bible is unity. Along with money, it is a very difficult subject to talk about – I got the short straw I feel! Having talked to some of the other teams about other organisations in Watford, they have got the impression that SSW is perceived negatively by some churches in the area. I feel this to be a very sore point and so do not wish to dwell on it, but I feel we should aim to bless and build up other local churches further - where possible - as this will allow the church of Watford to grow in ways and places that SSW simply cannot.
How we confront this is a very difficult problem. I would imagine that most of the negative feelings from other churches towards SSW are down to fear of us stealing their youth or congregations. This in one sense should be an encouragement because it shows we are doing lots of things well, but on another level, it is a cause for concern. I believe as a church it would be good to discuss how we can bless and encourage other churches within our area.
Talking about money is never easy, but it is one of the things that Jesus taught about regularly in the new testament although it should not be a pressure on ministry it can be instrumental for church growth in our country! At the moment our church is not using all of the financial support that we could be.
My church back home has had over 150k in grants last two years for buildings work, youth work and item specific grants – we had £1500 for a PC for the youth workers and a £5000 grant for a youth drum kit and sound system. My church back home is not particularly big, but they set up a grants team of about 5-10 people. I believe you will be in an even stronger position than we were because you have such a passion for the young people in Watford. Last year I understand that SSW only received about 2-5k in grants.
My last church's Grants team had a leader who oversaw and directed the grants process and then each of the members researched grants and bought proposals to their monthly meetings. They subsequently wrote the applications individually which got passed through the group (at least two other people) to check for mistakes or to add information. Grant applications are similar to job applications and need to include things like where/how/why the money will be used and also what the benefit to the community will be. Applications take a long time to draft as they generally need to be done as a formal 'legal' style document.
We have talked briefly to Chris Paskins about this who supports this idea and told us that the church does not wish to receive support from lottery funded groups, which is fair, but it may be an appropriate time to review this. I also have a friend back home who is part of an organisation who award certification to charities based on the service and attitudes towards community. I am told that the certificate that they award makes it easier to receive funding. I am sure he would be happy to access us at some point should we wish to go down that route.
Grants can be a minefield but I am sure the potential benefit will outweigh the effort.
Unity with other churches
Another thing that is taught on a lot in the bible is unity. Along with money, it is a very difficult subject to talk about – I got the short straw I feel! Having talked to some of the other teams about other organisations in Watford, they have got the impression that SSW is perceived negatively by some churches in the area. I feel this to be a very sore point and so do not wish to dwell on it, but I feel we should aim to bless and build up other local churches further - where possible - as this will allow the church of Watford to grow in ways and places that SSW simply cannot.
How we confront this is a very difficult problem. I would imagine that most of the negative feelings from other churches towards SSW are down to fear of us stealing their youth or congregations. This in one sense should be an encouragement because it shows we are doing lots of things well, but on another level, it is a cause for concern. I believe as a church it would be good to discuss how we can bless and encourage other churches within our area.
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