Please note that new grants applications are no longer paused. You may apply as normal.
A message from our Chief Executive:
"Due to an unprecedented demand for its grants and services, and significant health and personal challenges for several members of staff, Clergy Support Trust will be temporarily unable to accept new applications from Thursday 14 April to Tuesday 3 May.
We have not taken this decision lightly, and are extremely sorry indeed to be doing so. However, in the first quarter of 2022 we have processed 1,221 grants and services, for 963 households – an extraordinary rise from previous years.
Each conversation we have with an applicant is a privilege, and we are humbled to walk alongside you all in your ministry and lives. However, during recent weeks we have also had a number of health and family challenges within our own team. The wellbeing of my colleagues is a key priority and, although we have several new staff joining in the coming months, the pause means we can in the meantime, make good progress with current applications already received.
The team will be working full-time throughout this period, so that we begin the new month in a stronger position to support applicants in the way they rightly expect us to, rather than with the longer waiting periods we are sadly experiencing at the moment.
To try and minimise disruption for the people we serve, the temporary pause is taking place over and following Easter, where we usually see a reduced number of applications.
What this means for applicants:
- If you have already applied for a grant or service, we will aim to respond by the end of April
- From noon on Thursday 14 April, the application portal will be paused and will reopen at noon on Tuesday 3 May
- If you have begun an application by noon on Thursday 14 April, but not submitted it, this will be held in the system and you will be able to complete and submit from Tuesday 3 May
- If you are in immediate and urgent need of support, a number of charities may be able to help including Turn2Us, our partner Stepchange, the Samaritans, and your Diocese.
From personal experience, and from the experiences applicants share with us, we know ministry to be a huge blessing – but it is also a considerable challenge at times. Clearly, the current climate is hugely demanding of and for clergy families. Given this, we are even more grateful for your understanding of this unusual but necessary step – only the second in our recent history where we have needed briefly to pause applications.
We look forward to receiving applications again from noon Tuesday 3 May, and wish those we serve a happy and blessed Easter."