About the Foundation

Why is it needed?

As Surrey and Hampshire are comparitively wealthy, many community projects find it harder to get the funds they need. Nationally, one of the main sources of grants for parish community projects, for example, is the Church Urban Fund - yet few projects from this diocese qualify for their grants. The Bishop of Guildford's Foundation only gives grants to projects and groups working within the area of this diocese.

The Foundation also expresses a sense of communal solidarity with people in need. It providesd a mechanism for wealthier parishes and church members to channel support to needier groups. It is a way of building neighbourliness within the diocese, and of making sure that projects are well planned and effective. Its work is open to all, and it gives priority to tjose who are most vulnerable or excluded.

How is it funded?

The Foundation raises funds within the diocese and beyond it. Its special link with diocesan mission is expressed in each Confirmation or Licensing Service, where a collection is taken for the Foundation's work. It is also associated with the Bishop's Lent Call. In addition, local fundraising activities and events bring in extra funds, and there are many individuals who support the Foundation generously. For more information about how you can support the Foundation see How you can Help.

The Trustees

The Foundation is a registered charity and a charitable company. It has 5 trustees:

Chairman: Rt Revd Christopher Hill, Bishop of Guildford
Mr Martin Lee
Canon Chris Rich, Director of the Department for Social Responsibility
Mr Geoffrey Riggs
Revd Carole Bourne

If you would like a copy of the the most recent annual accounts, please email info@bgf.org.uk

A Message from the Chairman

The Rt Revd Christopher Hill
Bishop of Guildford

As Christians, we are called to live as Christ did and be concerned and care for those who have social needs, are marginalised or who are victims of injustice. The Foundation seeks to encourage and support the development of practical expressions of this concern. The practical expressions are truly Christ-like, in that they rpovide opportunities where God is encountered in the real life challenges of daily living. As Christ's life was given for all people, so the Foundation and the work it supports is extended to everyone.

I am happy tocommend the work of the Foundation, both those engaged in work which it supports, and a s a way of giving financially to support those who stand to benefit most from innovative opportunities extended to them. It is independent, but is managed and supported by the Department of Social Responsibility in order to ensure it is effective in making a significant contribution to the lives of people and their communities across the whole Diocese.

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