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Bishop of Lincoln’s Social Justice Fund Application Form

for

Funded by Diocese of Lincoln

The Purpose of the Fund is to respond to human need and seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation.


The Object of the Fund is to build fair, just, sharing communities for people living in Lincolnshire and to make life more comfortable, ease distress and isolation for those most in need. Priority will be given to projects that address the causes of social injustice rather than the symptoms.


Area of Benefit

The seven District Authorities of the County of Lincolnshire, the unitary authorities of North and North East Lincolnshire, and the boundaries of the Diocese of Lincoln where there may be some variance with civic boundaries.

Eligible groups are:

  1. Churches involved in social justice work rather than direct mission activity.
  2. Voluntary or community organisations who should ideally be able to provide evidence they have links to a local C of E church community. Not statutory agencies.
  3. Locally run and managed. We are unlikely to fund organisations that are local branches/organisations of a larger regional or national organisation.


Main Themes examples:

  • Social cohesion: Community activities providing; access to essential services, support for people leaving Prison and their families, migrant workers and families (ESOL classes and translation services) and other vulnerable groups.


  • Isolation: Activities that encourage residents to become more active and feel less isolated in their community such as befriending groups for people experiencing loneliness or be in need of care at home. Diversionary activities like rural and urban gardening projects that raise aspirations or reduce isolation for those suffering mental health issues, dementia or other long-term illness. Where possible, projects should be locally led and embedded in the communities they serve.


  • Poverty: Applications that tackle poverty in its various forms, projects that support early intervention or take preventative measures, that tackle debt, crime and/or worklessness.


Projects that contribute to strong and cohesive communities, intergenerational activities that help to reduce anti-social behaviour the fear of crime, and help people in to employment.


What can we Fund?


  • We can fund local projects that encourage and/or assist those included in the target group.
  • We can provide funding to cover equipment, travel, venue hire, telephone, stationery, sessional support, refreshments, volunteer training and activities that meet an identified need. It is unlikely salaries will be considered unless applicants are able to provide a direct link to addressing the symptoms of social injustice.
  • Whatever we fund must benefit your local community


Generally, grants are available for practical projects that contribute towards alleviating pressures on those who are vulnerable, isolated or live in poverty or raise awareness in these areas.


What can’t we Fund?

  • Party Political or predominantly religious activities (for Christian activity the Diocesan Transformation Fund may be appropriate)
  • Individuals
  • Statutory provision
  • Animal welfare
  • General contributions to large appeals
  • Building work
  • Salary costs unless there are exceptional circumstances
  • Grant making bodies applying for funding to redistribute to others
  • Retrospective expenditure or unsustainable deficits or loans


About The Grants….

  • Grants are for a maximum of £3,000.
  • Payments are normally made in advance.
  • The next closing date is 1 March 2026.
  • All funds should be spent within a year of receipt unless otherwise agreed.


What supporting documentation do you need to apply?

  • Constitution or set of rules
  • A local management board or committee
  • A bank or building society account in the organisation’s name with at least two cheque signatories who are not related or living in the same household.
  • Up to date accounts or income and expenditure account.
  • Other relevant policies and procedures (vulnerable adults’ policy, equal opportunities)
  • Evidence of engagement/consultation with your local Church of England Church/Vicar.


Please note that all grants are subject to compliance of the Terms and Conditions of the Fund, and the completion of an Impact Report on accomplishment of the project and award spend.


Further information and support


Please contact the Grant Manager, Helen Cater for further information

☎️ 01529305825 | 07591916305

✉️ helen@lincolnshirecf.co.uk

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