Grants and support for development

How your learning and development is supported:

In house training events are offered free of charge to all in ministry.

All Clergy, Readers and those in training on the Enabling Ministry Course have free access to the Cathedral Library.

All Clergy and Readers can attend courses, talks, study days and reading groups on the Cathedral Adult Learning Programme free of charge.

‘Transforming Conversations’ and ‘Leading your Church into Growth’

Transforming Conversations and Leading your Church into Growth courses are substantially subsidised by the diocese. They are run regularly and we encourage all to attend.

Transforming Conversations is a requirement of all Training Incumbents and Curates.

Leading your Church into Growth is a wonderful gift to the church and contributes significantly to healthy, flourishing churches.

Both of these consistently receive excellent feedback – we commend them to you!

Diocesan grants for training provided by external organisations

Clergy and Readers can apply for grants for training provided by external organisations; details of the criteria can be found in the Training and Learning Grants Policy.

Apply for a Training and Learning Grant.

Some expenses, e.g. travel, should be covered by the parish. The Church of England Guidelines explain this in the CofE Clergy Expenses booklet.

External Grants

The following trusts may be able to provide grants, particularly for further study or Extended Study Leave:

Verulam House Fund Trust aims to support projects and individuals that promote education, spirituality, witness and service.
The St Etheldreda’s Trust offers modest grants to support and enrich the ministry of a woman who is ordained bishop, priest or deacon; an ordinand or a licensed lay minister.
The Jane Cart Trust provides grants to support Church of England Clergy, their widow(er)s and dependents who are currently or have some time in the past worked or lived in the Diocese of St Albans.
The CofE Women’s Continuing Ministerial Education Trust exists to support the ministerial development of women in the Church of England by means of grants to assist their work and professional ministry.
The Clergy Support Trust is an independent charity which provides support to Anglican clergy (serving and retired) and ordinands, and their families. As well as financial support, they also offer health and wellbeing grants.
While not a grant, the Churches Mutual Credit Union offers competitive, affordable loans and ethical savings to lay and ordained ministers, as well as employees and trustees. Loans can be used for a range of needs, including car purchases, debt consolidation and other financial commitments. Repayments can be deducted directly from a stipend. CMCU also provides a variety of savings plans.

There are a number of charities which offer grants and funds for various purposes, details can be found in the Clergy Handbook.

Grants for Readers and Readers in Training

Grants are available to Readers and Readers in Training from two funds managed by the Diocesan Readers Association. To apply for either of these please contact the Ministry Development Administrator.

The Oakley and Cassell Fund provides book grants to Readers in Training. There is a maximum grant of £100 in any academic year. The Committee has also agreed to provide grants of up to £50 to individuals enrolled in the first year Enabling Ministry Course (pre-Reader stream).

The Carlisle and Moore Fund provide grants to Readers or Readers in Training to attend external training events or retreats which would otherwise be beyond their means. Grants are aimed at covering up to 50% of the costs (inc travel and accommodation) up to a maximum of £500.