Bishop of Guildford’s Foundation Fund

Written By Community Foundation for Surrey

The Bishop of Guildford Foundation’s Fund supports church-linked and faith-based organisations delivering projects that strengthen communities, tackle disadvantage, and support those most in need across Surrey.

With a geographical remit covering almost all of Surrey, the Fund is particularly keen to support projects in Guildford, Woking, Elmbridge, Mole Valley, and Runnymede.

A village hall with curtains and high ceilings where older people are dancing in pairs

Celebrating 15 Years of Impact

The Bishop of Guildford Foundation’s Fund recently marked 15 years of supporting communities across Surrey, a significant milestone that reflects its ongoing importance and impact.

Over the years, the Fund has helped bring to life inspirational projects that have made a real and lasting difference to individuals and communities alike. From supporting those facing hardship to building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods, the fund continues to play a vital role in local community life.

At the heart of this work has been a strong commitment to service and compassion. The contribution of Bishop Andrew is especially recognised, whose kindness, leadership and dedication helped shape the Fund’s direction and impact during his time on the panel.

His legacy lives on through the continued work of the fund, which remains committed to supporting communities, empowering individuals, and creating lasting change across Surrey.

What the Fund Supports

The Fund focuses on community-led initiatives, particularly those connected to churches and faith groups, that:

  • Help regenerate local communities

  • Build community capacity to meet local needs

  • Support vulnerable or excluded individuals

Projects should respond to a clearly identified local need and demonstrate how they will make a meaningful difference within their community.

Priority Areas

The Bishop of Guildford Foundation’s Fund has a number of core priorities (not listed in order of importance):

  • Targeting the most vulnerable

  • Seed funding to help new or early-stage projects grow

  • Supporting projects with long-lasting impact on individuals’ lives

  • Christian-led initiatives rooted in local communities

  • Community-based responses to recognised need

Types of Projects Funded

Projects are more likely to receive funding if they address key social challenges affecting local communities, including:

A group of young people pictured from behind sitting playing on a console in a white room with modern shelving. A man in a black tshirt with "YOUTH TEAM" written on the back leans on the back of the sofa to join in.

Types of Projects Funded

Projects are more likely to receive funding if they address key social challenges affecting local communities, including:

  • Mental health

  • Support for older people

  • Family support

  • Debt advice and counselling

  • Youth work

  • Homelessness

  • Poverty

In particular, the fund prioritises projects that:

✔ Help tackle social issues impacting local people
✔ Strengthen community resilience and support networks
✔ Enable communities to better support themselves and others

Apply for Funding

If you are part of a church-linked or faith-based organisation with a project that aligns with these priorities, we encourage you to apply.

Projects that are community-driven, inclusive, and focused on long-term impact are particularly welcomed.

Community Foundation for Surrey
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