Key Contact:

Diane Gray-Stephenson

Racial Justice Programme Lead

Funding is available to support initiatives and projects that actively promote diverse ministry and racial equality in churches across our diocese. This funding is provided by the Church of England’s Racial Justice Unit in partnership with the Diocese of Manchester.

The purpose of the funding is to empower churches to engage in ministry projects, launch new activities, or develop resources – both written and physical – that support racial justice and contribute to the delivery of our diocese’s 10-year strategy for long-term church growth. Where funding is requested for capital expenditure, a clear justification must be provided outlining how the investment will support revitalisation and future growth.

Here are some examples of how the grant might be used:

• Hosting multicultural events or festivals that celebrate and enhance the diversity of the church community.
• Creating inclusive liturgical resources that reflect the diversity of the congregation.
• Organising workshops or speaker events on racial justice, unconscious bias, and inclusive theology.
• Setting up book clubs or study groups focused on racial justice themes.
• Providing mentoring or leadership development for young people from diverse backgrounds.
• Creating culturally inclusive children’s ministry resources.
• Creating visual displays or installations that celebrate racial and cultural diversity.
• Investing in technology to support multilingual services or hybrid worship formats.

Before applying, please contact Diane Gray-Stephenson, Racial Justice Programme Lead who can talk you through this guidance document and application form. Diane can then offer guidance on shaping your proposal, support with the application process, and help identify alternative funding sources if this fund isn’t the best fit for your initiative. All applications must be endorsed by your Area Dean and Mission Community Leader in order to be considered.

The upcoming deadlines for applications are:

Final applications – 10am on Friday 5^th June 2026.

Decisions made on Monday 22^nd June 2026

Final applications – 10am on Friday 7^th August 2026.

Decisions made on Monday 25^th August 2026

If your proposal falls outside of the scope described here, or if you’re unsure about eligibility, please speak with Diane. This funding may also be used to meet match-funding requirements for other grant applications. Funding applications will be accepted through to 2028.

Successful applicants will be notified upon approval, and funding will be subject to an agreement between the PCC and the Diocesan Board of Finance.