Background
One in five people lives in poverty in the UK, with four million people experiencing destitution. Poverty is increasing and deepening with a devastating impact on people’s lives, especially children. Methodism … has been more likely to close churches in low-income communities. Long-term commitment is vital to develop and sustain new communities in low-income areas. As part of our commitment to be a justice-seeking Church, sustainability funding is now available to provide support for existing connexionally (or district/circuit) funded Church at the Margins communities. God For All: The Connexional Strategy for Evangelism and Growth – Strategic Update and Renewal (2025-2032)
Aim: To provide further (7-year maximum) funding to support the sustainability of existing Church at the Margins communities.
We recognise that Church at the Margins communities need long‑term support to remain sustainable. In response, the Connexional Economic Justice Working Group is exploring practical ways to assist financially struggling communities across the Connexion
How it works
Each district:
- identifies CAM communities requiring sustainability funding.
- determines how much sustainability funding is needed across all their existing CAMs.
- submits an expression of interest schedule.
- After Connexional Team review of expressions of interest - submits proposal(s), meeting the eligibility criteria below, which could include multiple CAMs (Connexionally or locally funded).
Eligibility criteria
- A gathered CAM community exists which has been funded through GFA1 or locally (within the last 10 years).
- The initial district and circuit Connexional NPNP/CAM funding has been awarded.
- Church at the Margins community is at risk due to lack of available local finance.
- This additional funding will enable the CAM community to be sustained and developed.
- Match funding from the district/circuit is available.
- This is not capital funding, it is primarily for a pioneer/to increase pioneering team resource.
- Funding request cannot be for more than initial Connexional CAM funding.
- The funding is required and will be awarded within the GfA2 funding period.
- District sign-off via district Chair and NPNP Lead.
Outline process
Each district submits an expression of interest schedule listing all CAMs, including CAM vision, social deprivation, lack of financial resources at district/circuit level and prioritised funding need. Districts can submit nil CAMs/nil funding need schedule. This enables Funding Officer to produce a Connexional Register of CAMs (to be posted on Methodist website), comprising GFA1-funded CAMs and existing CAMs not funded via GFA.
This will enable an initial indicative district funding allocation to be made by early 2026/27.
These are the forms that you need to claim this funding:
- District oversight process – all districts will need to submit an oversight process.
- Expression of interest schedule (including tapering) – to enable allocation forecast to be produced.
- GFA1-funded CAMs funding proposal – outline details based on previous submission/budget.
- Non-GFA funded submissions – tailored form (to follow, or modify submission form above)
Districts submit documentation by 31/8/27, allocations are announced by 30/9/27.
Unallocated CAM funding
- Unallocated funding can be held in reserve for later submissions, if needed.
- Made available (mid-term) to those districts who have already had a CAM allocation/distribution but where need continues or has grown.