Bishop of Guildford's Communities Fund

Bishop Andrew is the Chair of the BGCF, having previously been a trustee of charities in the fields of housing, domestic violence, church growth and overseas development. He writes “I am very aware of real deprivation across the diocese in these challenging times and know that Parishes are well placed to help. I am delighted that The Bishop of Guildford’s Communities Fund exists to give parishes a helping hand, both with start-up grants and ongoing support for work in their localities and I would strongly encourage them to approach us if they have a suitable project”.

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 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”.

Mike was formerly Deputy Diocesan Secretary, he has extensive experience of charity law, financial governance and operational knowledge to contribute to the process of reviewing applications and managing the Fund. Mike says “Having seen BGCF evolve since its inception in 1993, I welcome the current focus on parish projects within the diocese. The trustees would welcome new applications based on community needs.”

Claire serves in the Diocese of Guildford as Assistant Archdeacon, previously she was the Associate Minister of St Paul’s, Camberley, and was appointed 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”.

Richard spent his professional life working in the communications industry and latterly was part of the Comms Team at the Diocese of Guildford. In retirement he now applies his skills to help a number of charities and not-for-profit organisations. He has been a trustee since 2017 and is also a churchwarden. Richard says “Working for BGCF, it has been a re eye-opener to discover the pockets of poverty and deprivation which exist in our apparently prosperous diocese. It is a real privilege to be able to highlight the work of the Fund and the initiatives of our parishes to help those in need.”

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.”