Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund

Look for an opportunity to publicise the Fund's work and invite support. Most people in the diocese don't know what the Fund does, and the best way to get the message across is face-to-face. You could ask for a slot of time in a PCC meeting, or speak to local house groups. Or you could prepare an article for the parish magazine. We can supply posters and leaflets in printed form (email info@bcgf.org.uk) or as PDFs. If your church uses an AV system, you can download PowerPoint slides too.
 

Could you organise an event for us? This could be a sponsored event, such as a walk round the parish boundaries or a coffee morning. Contact us if you need more information or any leaflets or posters.

There are many events in parish life where a collection could be taken or a raffle held to support the Fund. Could you suggest this when opportunities arise? It could be at a Christmas service, or a harvest celebration. Parishes already support the Fund generously through collections at installations and confirmations, but if your parish has not had either of these recently, why not suggest another way of supporting the Fund?

The Bishop's annual Lent Appeal has also supported the Fund since it began. Lent is a time for thinking about those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It is a time for self-sacrifice, and for extra generosity. Could you make a personal donation, or ask your parish to make it the Appeal the focus of their Lent giving?

Through our work, we become aware of many worthwhile projects that need more voluntary help. If you could spare time, we may be able to suggest projects that need your help. Contact us to find out more.

Remember us in your will, and ensure your generosity will have an impact on the lives of others. Contact us for more details.

Or simply make a donation to the Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund. Your contribution will go towards projects helping those in need and making communities stronger, in Surrey and North East Hampshire. Please see the Donate to the Fund page on this site, where you will find a standing order form and a Gift Aid declaration form.

Bishop Paul is the Chair of the BGCF, having previously been a trustee of many charities which have helped to ease poverty in deprived communities; support people who struggle with poor mental health, and provide housing for underprivileged people. He writes ‘it is a privilege to be a Trustee of the Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund. I have seen first hand the difference it has made in providing seed funding for projects in some real pockets of deprivation across the diocese. I urge communities which we might be able to help to get in touch’.

Andrew's business career has been in financial services, the public sector and in IT services. He is a chartered accountant. For Andrew, "The BGCF is one expression of our Diocesan vision to transform church and transform lives. We help churches and their partners start projects that reach out to have a real impact on their local communities. Let us know how we can support you."

Louise was appointed Secretary to the BGCF in 2020 and is likely to be your first point of contact if you are considering applying to the Fund. With a background in operations and project management, she has wide experience in delivering change in the community, particularly at the parish level. Louise says,  “Do get in touch via the website to discuss your project, I love to hear about innovative ways our church families are able to serve our communities”.

Claire belongs to St Barbara’s Community Church Deepcut, where she has permission to officiate, and was appointed as a clergy representative trustee in 2020. Claire says, “It has been a real pleasure to be part of something that helps enable local churches in the diocese to engage with their communities in such inspiring ways. I am particularly encouraged by the prayerful approach to decision-making that trustees adopt when considering applications for grants. I also love hearing back from projects about the difference our grant has made to their work in the communities where they are rooted”.

Jane became a BGCF trustee in 2025. She works in international development and is the founder of a charity in Rio supporting disadvantaged young people with business start-ups. As ministry lead at her church in community social transformation, she is passionate about following Jesus to the margins. Jane says: "We see profound impact when church families engage in social action, both in our church volunteers as they grow in their faith and in the lives of those we work with. I am excited to see more stories of transformation across our Diocese through the support of the BGCF."

Ebert joined the BGCF in 2022 following a career in delivering business transformation programmes around the world, as programme director for a charity supporting young people, and as programme manager at the Diocese of Guildford until end 2021. This role included church planting and parish-based health and viability projects. Ebert says,  “I enjoy being part of this team and the decision-making process. I am excited by the potential to build on the many success stories and make an even bigger impact on people’s lives in our local communities.”

Gillian was appointed as a trustee in 2026, taking over responsibility for Communications and Publicity for the BGCF. Gillian is a qualified teacher and currently serves as a Church Warden in St Paul's Camberley. "My first introduction to the BGCF was via the appeal for donations made on the orders of service at licensing and confirmation services. I am impressed with the rigour and professionalism shown by the trustees at meetings where all applications are read and considered with prayer and dignity. Please do give generously and consider applying for support."