Advancement of the Christian Religion

In its work to advance and support the Christian faith, the Mercers’ Company invites grant appeals from a wide variety of sources. These need not be exclusively from Anglican organisations, but we do discourage appeals from overseas unless there is a UK charitable involvement. Appeals may be broadly grouped into those relating to buildings and those connected with people.

What we fund

Buildings

 We consider appeals from:

• Churches in the City of London;
• Churches with a Mercer connection – historic (church patronage) or with a present Mercer closely involved; and
• Cathedrals, specifically those with close links to Mercer churches.

Other churches should look to the National Churches Trust, to which the Company makes an annual grant.

People

We aim to contribute to a deepening understanding and acceptance of the Christian religion, and to developing its relationships between its denominations and with other world faiths. We consider appeals that:

• Help young people learn about the Christian faith and develop their spiritual lives;
• Support clergy and help them to develop their outreach work;
• Provide spiritual training for clergy and lay people;
• Provide respite, recuperation and spiritual nourishment for clergy and their families.

We do not fund

• Interfaith work;
• Church fabric projects unless there is a Mercer connection; or
• Organisations that have made an application within the last three years.

Dates of Standing Church Committee Meetings (Please submit applications 4 weeks before meetings):

23 February 2012
13 June 2012
29 October 2012