Investing carefully in the future of our shared mission
Many churches across the Diocese are facing real financial pressures. Parish resources are stretched and decisions about money feel increasingly sensitive. Bishop’s Council is acutely aware of this context and it is against this background that a package of Mission Project Funding has been agreed.
Mission Project Funding is about making carefully targeted, time-limited investments from diocesan reserves in areas of mission that are critical to the long-term sustainability and flourishing of church life across the Diocese of Ely. These decisions are not about spending money lightly, nor about diverting resources away from parishes, but about investing wisely, transparently and responsibly in the future of our shared mission.
Why invest in mission at a time of financial constraint?
When resources are limited, choosing not to invest is not necessarily the correct decision. Without focused investment, there is a real risk that managed decline becomes unmanaged decline - particularly in areas such as children and young people’s faith, the churches presence in new communities, and the long-term financial resilience of our churches.
Mission Project Funding recognises that some challenges cannot be addressed through parish resources alone and that strategic diocesan investment, used sparingly and well, can help build capacity, confidence and sustainability for the benefit of the whole Diocese.
Where does the funding come from?
Mission Project Funding is being drawn from diocesan reserves, not from Ministry Share. Ministry Share remains focused on paying clergy stipends and other associated costs.
Using reserves in this way reflects a commitment to steward them purposefully - investing in the future health of the Diocese rather than allowing reserves to diminish without strategic intent.
How decisions are made and monitored
Mission Project Funding is not open-ended and not guaranteed. Funding is awarded only where clear criteria are met, including readiness, local commitment, realistic planning and the ability to demonstrate impact.
Projects are subject to:
- phased release of funding,
- regular monitoring and reporting,
- clear expectations about outcomes,
- the ability to adapt, pause or stop funding if impact is not being demonstrated.
This ensures that funding is earned, accountable and focused on results, rather than assumed or automatic.
Supporting parishes, not replacing them
Mission Project Funding is not intended to create “special projects” disconnected from parish life. Instead, it aims to grow learning, confidence and capacity that can be shared more widely and strengthen parish ministry across the Diocese.
The intention is to support churches, particularly those facing structural or contextual challenges, while recognising that different contexts require different forms of support.
Why these projects?
The initial three projects supported through Mission Project Funding have been approved because they align directly with agreed diocesan mission priorities and address some of the most significant risks to the future health of church life.
In particular, they focus on:
- growing children and young disciples,
- establishing a church presence in areas of significant new housing,
- supporting churches to grow healthy cultures of generosity and giving.
These are not “nice-to-have” initiatives. They sit at the intersection of mission, sustainability and long-term viability and have been chosen because they offer the greatest potential for lasting impact.
Projects initially approved for Mission Project Funding
As part of this approach, Bishop’s Council has approved initial funding for the following mission priorities:
Growing Younger (Pilot)
- A targeted programme to help a small number of “nearly flourishing” worshipping communities grow children and young disciples, strengthen local leadership, and become fully flourishing and sustainable over time.
Mission and Ministry in New Housing areas
- A staged programme to establish new worshipping communities in areas of significant new housing, embedding pioneer ministers early in new developments to build relationships, serve local communities and grow church life as neighbourhoods develop.
Growing Giving and Generosity
- An investment in supporting churches to grow healthy cultures of generosity, centred on the Cornerstone programme and dedicated follow-up support, helping churches talk confidently about money as part of discipleship rather than pressure or survival.
Further Information and how to discuss your funding proposal
For further information on Mission Project Funding, please click on one of the possible funding streams in the webpages below.
