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 the 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”.

Claire belongs to St Barbara’s Community Church Deepcut, where she has permission to officiate, and was appointed as a clergy representative 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”.

Jane became a BGCF trustee in 2025. She works in international development and is the founder of a charity in Rio supporting disadvantaged young people with business start-ups. As ministry lead at her church in community social transformation, she is passionate about following Jesus to the margins. Jane says: "We see profound impact when church families engage in social action, both in our church volunteers as they grow in their faith and in the lives of those we work with. I am excited to see more stories of transformation across our Diocese through the support of the BGCF."

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.”

Gillian was appointed as a trustee in 2026, taking over responsibility for Communications and Publicity for the BGCF. Gillian is a qualified teacher and currently serves as a Church Warden in St Paul's Camberley. "My first introduction to the BGCF was via the appeal for donations made on the orders of service at licensing and confirmation services. I am impressed with the rigour and professionalism shown by Bishop Andrew and the trustees at meetings where all applications are read and considered with prayer and dignity. Please do give generously and consider applying for support."