Dictionary

Words on this page

Collect

A collect is a short prayer used in liturgy, for example towards the beginning of the Eucharist. It often reflects the themes of the particular season of the Church’s year. Its name comes from the idea that it ‘collects’ together the lessons of the service readings.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Home Resources Finance

Finance

Grants & Funding (financial support for your church)

Gift Direct

Set up regular donations to your church

Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme

This scheme was introduced in April 2013 and applies to donations made on or after 6 April 2013. It allows charities to claim payments on small cash donations where it is impractical to collect a Gift Aid declaration. Find out more here.

Gift Aid and VAT are complex subject areas. ACAT’s resources will help a church maximise its Gift Aid claims, avoid any pitfalls and obtain any VAT reliefs that may be available.

ACAT: Training for Treasurers

All Church Treasurers and MA Treasurers have access to ACAT (Association of Church Accountants & Treasurers) membership, funded by the Diocese. ACAT provides a range of advice, training and information on accounting, financial and legal issues in support of Church Treasurers and Trustees across the UK. For your free membership password please contact diocese.swanbrec@cinw.org.ukc,

A series of MyFund webinars is available here.

Welsh Government funding

Volunteering Wales grants

Funding for project that promote and encourage volunteering are available to all third sector groups, including faith groups. Volunteering Wales grants scheme - WCVA

Community Facilities Programme

The Community Facilities Programme provides capital grants at two levels, up to £25,000 for small projects and up to £250,000 for larger schemes. The grant must be used for the improvement of well-used community buildings. This can include facilities operated by faith groups as long as they are open to the wider community.

Other funding streams

National Lottery Community Fund and Community Foundation Wales

There are a large number of other grant programmes offered by organisations outside of the Welsh Government which will provide funding for projects led by faith groups. This includes Welsh Churches Act funds operated by local authorities (refer to your local authority website) and programmes run by the National Lottery Community Fund, the Community Foundation Wales and a variety of trusts and foundations.

Information on these sources of funding and many more can be found on the Funding Wales website.