Clergy Support Trust wins Charity of the Year award

Clergy Support Trust is delighted to have been given the Charity of the Year award, by the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO).

We were honoured to accept the award at the ACO Conference at BMA House, London on Thursday 17th September.

The ACO Annual Awards 2026, supported by Family Fund Business Services, celebrated the outstanding work of charities providing financial and wellbeing support. This award is a reflection of the incredible work of our team, and it is all the more significant to be recognised alongside other dedicated charities across all categories, including The Drinks Trust, caba and Chemists' Community Fund. The Trust previously had the privilege of being shortlisted for Charity of the Year back in 2023.

Last year, we supported 1 in 5 of all serving Church of England clergy and their families - as well as numerous more training, serving and retired clergy households across the Church in Wales, Church of Ireland, the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Diocese in Europe and the Diocese of Sodor and Man. This number continues to grow in 2026, and we are thrilled to be recognised for our commitment to serving those who serve, as well as our advocacy in seeking to increase the clergy stipend.

A glass award, sitting on a polished wooden shelf.

Thank you to the ACO

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Sarah Davies
Director of Charitable Services

More news from the Trust

£49,000 awarded to soul-nurturing retreat centres

Organisation grants are awarded to an organisation - or towards a specific project - which benefits Anglican clergy, their families or another beneficiary group.

Theological college to subsidise in-house clergy retreats

Our friends at Sarum College, a theological education institution in Salisbury, are offering opportunities for clergy and ordinands to access much-needed respite.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Photo credit: Clergy Support Trust.

Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest charity focussed on the wellbeing of clergy and their families. The Trust, originally founded in 1655, provides confidential help for Anglican clergy and their families across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Diocese in Europe. The Trust are confidential, independent, inclusive, and impartial, and we support clergy from training through to retirement. In 2025, we supported over 2,900 households with more than 7,000 grants.