Home  |  Calendar  |  Safeguarding  |  News  |  Documents  |  Find a Church

Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund

A symbol made up of blue and orange dots and curved lines creating a circular shape to the left of the words Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund


The Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund (BGCF) exists to reach out to disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the Diocese of Guildford in the name of Christ.

Grants are offered to projects initiated by Church of England churches (and those in active partnership with them) to assist in fulfilling any aspect of the Diocesan vision, Transforming Church, Transforming Lives.

The BGCF gives grants to a range of community projects including those which:

  • Support people with disabilities and mental ill-health
  • Provide facilities and services for older citizens, children and young people
  • Support families and disadvantaged communities
  • Provide practical help for the financially challenged
  • Offer training and skills programmes
     

Lent Appeal 2025 in white on a purple background

Sharing God's love and transforming lives through giving 

As we journey through Lent, a season of reflection, prayer and generosity, we are called to follow Christ's example of love and compassion. This Lent I invite you to support the Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund, which works to transform lives across our diocese.

Last year we raised around £24,000 which enabled the Fund to support projects run by parishes or church-linked organisations which reach out into their local communities and provide real practical support. 16 grants ranging from £250 to £5,000 helped fund meals for the vulnerable, cafés for the isolated, youth and community workers and other wellbeing initiatives.

We urgently need to continue this work, but since Covid funding has gone down while the need is increasing. Your generosity can bring help to those who are struggling - people living with disabilities, battling with mental ill-health, facing financial hardship or experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage.

By donating to the Fund you are extending Christ's love to some of the most disadvantaged in our diocese, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities. Even a small gift can make a big difference, offering dignity, hope and a brighter future.

It would be great if every church could make a special collection for the Fund during Lent and we would also welcome donations from individuals. It is so important that we all make a special effort this Lent to remember those less fortunate than ourselves.

Please prayerfully consider giving this Lent. Together we can reflect God's love and compassion, bringing light to those in darkness.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

Bishop Andrew

To donate now, please click the orange button below. 

 Orange donate now button

Donations can also be made by card, electronically to The Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund or BGCF, sort code 30-98-97, account number: 68771768 or by cheque sent to Willow Grange, Woking Road, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7QS

 

 

Year-round fundraising

You can help to fundraise for the BGCF at any time of year. Here are some practical ideas and resources to help.

Publicise the Fund in your parish
Organise a fundraising event
Propose ways that your parish could support the Fund
Support the Bishop's Lent Appeal
Get involved as a volunteer
Leave us a legacy in your will
Give generously

Supporting mission in the Diocese of Guildford

The special link the Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund has with diocesan mission is expressed in the collection taken at each Confirmation or Licensing Service, which is given to the Fund's work.

Half the monies raised by the Bishop's Lent Challenge each year are also given to BGCF. In addition, local fundraising activities and events bring in extra funds and many individuals support the Fund generously.

Charity details

The Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund is the working name of the Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation which is a charitable incorporated organisation (registered charity no 1017385) . Registered address: Willow Grange, Woking Road, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7QS. Its trustees are:

Trustees

Andrew Watson, The Rt Revd The Lord Bishop of Guildford (Chair)
Andrew Carvell (Treasurer)
Louise Kenyon (Secretary)
Mike Bishop
The Revd Claire Isherwood
Richard Peters
Ebert Spreeth

Annual Report

Download latest Annual Report for the BGCF.

Contact

To contact us please email: info@bgcf.org.uk or write us at Willow Grange, Woking Road, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7QS.
Please be aware that as a small charity we employ no staff and rely on volunteers who will respond as soon as they can.

Powered by Church Edit