Church Urban Fund

Church Urban Fund. The Church Urban Fund is a charitable organization established by the Church of England in 1987 to address issues of poverty and social injustice in England. It operates as an independent charity, working through local partnerships to support community-led initiatives in the most deprived areas. The fund's creation was a direct response to the influential report *Faith in the City*, which highlighted urban poverty and the church's role in societal renewal.

History and establishment

The organization was formally launched in 1987 following the publication of the Archbishop of Canterbury's commission report, *Faith in the City*. This report, produced during the tenure of Robert Runcie, critically examined urban deprivation and the Church of England's response. The fund's early development was championed by figures such as David Sheppard, the Bishop of Liverpool, and was established with an initial grant from the Church Commissioners. Its formation marked a significant institutional commitment by the General Synod of the Church of England to practical action on social issues, coinciding with a period of economic change under the government of Margaret Thatcher.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to work alongside people and communities in England to tackle the root causes of poverty, inequality, and injustice. Its objectives focus on empowering local action, strengthening community assets, and advocating for systemic change. The fund operates on principles of partnership, seeking to support the work of dioceses, parishes, and other community organizations. It aims to address key drivers of poverty including financial insecurity, social isolation, and lack of access to resources, aligning with broader Christian social teaching.

Activities and programmes

The fund's work is delivered through a range of initiatives, primarily by resourcing local projects via its Together Network of diocesan-based partners. Key programmes have included support for food banks, credit unions, night shelters, and community hubs. It runs specific campaigns such as Near Neighbours, which brings together diverse communities, and Just Finance Network, which addresses financial exclusion. Activities often involve grants, training for local leaders, and research into issues like child poverty and loneliness, frequently collaborating with organizations like the Trussell Trust and Citizens UK.

Governance and structure

The charity is governed by a board of trustees and is a registered entity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Its president is John Sentamu, the former Archbishop of York. Day-to-day operations are managed by a chief executive and staff team based in London. The fund works through a decentralized model, partnering with the Church of England's network of dioceses across provinces like the Province of Canterbury and Province of York. Key governance bodies include its Council of Reference and various advisory groups drawing on expertise from sectors including academia and social enterprise.

Impact and recognition

Over its history, the fund has distributed millions of pounds in grants, supporting thousands of local projects across England from Cornwall to Northumberland. Its impact reports highlight contributions to community cohesion, poverty alleviation, and the development of local leadership. The organization's research, such as the publication *Church in Action*, has informed policy debates and the practices of other charities. It has received recognition from senior clergy and figures in the House of Lords, and its model of working through the parish system is noted as a distinctive feature of its approach to social action.

Category:Charities based in London Category:Church of England organisations Category:Organizations established in 1987