| District Funding | |
| Connexional Funding | |
This fund exists to enable Churches and Circuits to develop work under the headings of 'Our Calling' – namely worship, learning and caring, service and evangelism. The grants committee are currently meeting three times per year – the final meeting for the 2007-08 church year will be on Monday, 9 June 2008. All applications should be sent two weeks in advance, and should have been already approved by the relevant Circuit Meeting or Church Council. An application form can be downloaded here (PDF file, 24 KB). Each application needs to show possible funding from the local Church and/or circuit, the District Advance Fund itself, the District Training Fund, Resourcing Mission Grants and other Agencies you may be collaborating with. For all projects linked to work with children, young people and the community the District Training and Development Officer needs to be involved prior to an application being made. DISTRICT TRAINING FUND
This fund exists to assist people, both lay and ministerial, to attend training courses or participate in study or experimental learning, which will enable them to acquire new or develop existing skills relating to their work as well as their general understanding and awareness. All courses must have a direct link to a role they are or intend to undertake within the District, Circuit or local Church. Where appropriate a supporting letter should be included with your application. A course programme along with full details of what is to be pursued must be supplied. If attending a course proof of acceptance and completion should be forwarded at the appropriate times. The grant awarded will usually be no more than one third of the total amount; however, where a local Church, Circuit or the individual are unable to make a financial contribution, a higher amount may be considered. Unless there are exceptional circumstances only one grant would be given in any one financial year. All applications should be made in writing attaching the necessary items to the District Training and Development Office, Keith Elliott. PROPERTY AND BUILDING GRANTS
The whole process is under review. It is proposed to combine all funds that are available and to create a 'one stop shop' for property schemes. A list of priorities and funding criteria is available from the Resourcing Mission Office in Manchester. Please telephone on 0161 236 5194 - you should also contact this number for details of the current Standard Grant Property scheme. Alternatively, write to:
The Methodist Property Office
Central Buildings
Oldham Street
Manchester
M1 1JQ RESOURCING MISSION OFFICE
Ministry and Mission Grants provide an important resource for Churches and Circuits. Applications should fall into one of the following categories: • Increasing awareness of God’s presence and celebrating God’s love
• Helping people to grow and learn as Christians
• Being a good neighbour to people in need and challenging injustice
• Making more followers of Jesus Christ Priority will be given to schemes promoting growth, outreach as well as those that encourage partnerships. Up to 50% of the total cost can be applied for. Applications must be approved by the Circuit Meeting and the District Grants Committee, and in the case of applications relating to Children's, Youth or Community Work have had the involvement of the District Training and Development Officer. Applications are usually looked at in the Autumn (new work only) and Spring of each year. It is expected that initially support would be sought from the local Circuit Advance Fund and the District Advance Fund. The District are now expected to recommend as to whether the project is worthy of connexional support. Further details from the Resourcing Mission Office on 0161 236 5194 or for an informal discussion e-mail our Training and Development Officer Keith Elliott.