What did we achieve in 2025?

Serving those who serve

We're privileged to be able to do what we do, whether it's helping Becca to secure ADHD assessments for her daughters, funding a retreat for Paul when he was struggling with his bipolar, or enabling Albert to return home, having not seen his immediate family for almost three years.

However, with over £1.4 million of the grants we provided this year being used on essentials like heating and energy bills, we think it's wrong that so many households should be struggling to afford the basics. We continue to voice this concern with leaders in the national Churches.

In the last twelve months, we've also worked closely with partner organisations like Broken Rites, to support almost 100 divorced or separated partners of clergy, with over 300 grants. This included over £380,000 used to support the health, wellbeing and financial resilience of separated partners.

Retired clergy

In 2019, we received applications from just 30 retired clergy households. Last year, we supported over 200.

Almost 10% of the retired clergy we support have given 40 years or more's service to the Church, their congregations and communities. Despite this dedicated service, many are struggling to afford vital household adaptations and mobility aids.

As well as supporting retired clergy households, we have also been advocating on their behalf, both privately in conversations with senior Church leaders, and publicly by contributing towards articles about the challenges they face in newspapers like The Express and The Telegraph.

How we support retired clergy and their families

The next three years

For 370 years, we have offered a lifeline to clergy households struggling with the pressures of their calling.

In 2025, we began more deliberately travelling upstream, to analyse the root causes behind those challenges. In our 2026-28 Strategy, we plan to continue this journey, advocating for our applicants as well as supporting them.

The Church of England, which represents over 85% of the Trust’s work, has faced some difficult days over the past few years. There have also been some encouraging days too, with the number of younger people exploring faith for the first time.

We have witnessed our applicants remain resilient in their faith, their desire to serve despite the obstacles, and their willingness to invite us alongside them. Thank you for allowing us to walk with you on your journey.

Discover our bold new strategy

Your support

Thank you to our Governors of the Trust, Stewards of the Festival, supporters and donors for your unwavering support in 2025 - and to the thousands of Anglican clergy who have trusted us with their experiences and stories.

Throughout Advent 2025, many clergy ran food banks, supported the homeless, visited people in hospitals and prisons, and provided comfort to those who would otherwise have spent Christmas alone, as well as leading Sunday services, carol services, Evensongs and Nativities.

Clergy bring light, hope and comfort to their communities. If you can, please help them to serve with strength and joy this new year, free of financial worry, ill health or isolation.

Donate today