# Church Urban Fund

## News

- [Harvesting change: Can churches help build a food bank free future?](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/harvesting-change.md): Harvest services this month see churches gathering donations of food and other supplies, many of which will make their way to local food banks.
- [Forgotten Heroes - Honouring Legacy in Bristol](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/forgotten-heroes-honouring-legacy-in-bristol.md): In June 2025, a powerful new play took to the stage, telling the little-known stories of Caribbean servicemen and women during the Second World War.
- [The Past Retold By the Future](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/the-past-retold-by-the-future.md): To a packed St John the Divine in Kennington, about 30 children from the children’s choir led the Windrush Commemorations in the premier of “A Word Called...
- [Heritage, Intergenerational Connection and untold Windrush stories](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/heritage-intergenerational-connection-and-untold-windrush-stories.md): Over 1,000 school children took part in Arts Bridge Charity’s Luton Windrush workshops. 150 went deeper, training in interview skills and creative devising.
- [Embracing tensions, retaining hope: the future of Christian social action](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/embracing-tensions-retaining-hope-the-future-of-christian-social-action.md): Jon Kuhrt, CEO of Hope into Action
- [Working with what we have](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/goathurst-gg.md): When volunteers are few and resources are tight, creative ideas emerge for bringing people together.
- [“She’s got an ASBO” Challenging the labels of poverty](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/shes-got-an-asbo.md): Stereotypes encourage society to judge whole communities rather than individuals. Dr Aimi King encourages us to pause and ask questions
- [Summit Sleepout](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/summit-sleepout.md): Thank you to the Summit Youth Group who have run two Sleepout Challenges for us, raising over £4,000
- [Growing through partnership](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/entry-43577.md): Working in partnership to build community, provide support and improve wellbeing.
- [Church without walls](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/church-without-walls.md): Growing community, confidence and faith as a 'church without walls'.
- [Why stories matter](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/stories-matter.md): Stories help shape the way we understand the world, ourselves and other people. Rved Adam Edwards explores
- [Church Urban Fund welcomes new Chair and trustee to its board](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/new-chair.md): Church Urban Fund is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Cummings as the new chair of trustees.
- [All Saints Nativity Fundraiser](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/all-saints-nativity-fundraiser.md): From warm meals to welcoming spaces, All Saints Borehamwood is a beacon of God's love. And they're fundraising for CUF, too
- [What young people taught me about community](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/young-people-community.md): Sometimes transformation begins not with a new idea, but with a new question
- [Growing local presence](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/growing-local-presence.md): Tonbridge Road Methodist Church used the Growing Good course to explore local presence and connection.
- [Growing Good for action and theology](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/action-and-theology.md): In between building a bug hotel and dismantling a shed, Nick and Colin told us why else they come to St Mary Magdelene, rain or shine, each week.
- [Sanctuary Sunday, and weekly](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/sanctuary-sunday-and-weekly.md): Imagine being one of the 264,000 refugees having fled Ukraine for the UK since 2022. Where to start, and how to carry on?
- [What kind of thing is a nation?](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/what-is-a-nation.md): How we should understand the nation? Revd Prof Luke Bretherton explores the idea, both a source of good and a product of human imperfection
- [The Springfield Project, Birmingham](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/places-of-welcome.md): The Place of Welcome at The Springfield Project runs every Thursday afternoon during term time, put on by volunteers.
- [Volunteering makes all the difference](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/volunteering-makes-all-the-difference.md): Opportunities to connect, boost confidence and gain work skills. How could you mobilise volunteers in your local area?
- [Kindness comes back around](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/kindness-comes-back-around.md): Volunteers don’t just provide refreshments, they build long-term relationships, tackle isolation and sign-posting to essential support services
- [What matters enough for me to do something about it?](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/what-matters-enough-for-me-to-do-something-about-it.md): Responses at the end of a day exploring Asset Based Community Development (ABCD)
- [Ordinary Time](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/ordinary-time-when-the-fire-of-pentecost-becomes-warmth-for-someone-else.md): When the fire of Pentecost becomes warmth for someone else. Richard Harries, Director of Caritas Westminster, reminds us that there is no such thing as...
- [Actively raising up people from within the community](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/case-study.md): 30,000 bees live in the apiary at the church of St Mary Magdalene. Or do they? Did they survive their first winter in the garden, and why are they even there?
- [Love in action in the Heart of St Ann’s](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/love-in-action.md): What began as one man’s concern for children playing in unsafe streets has grown into a vibrant hub of love, belonging, and hope
- [Hope Hut, Nottingham](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/hope-hut-nottingham.md): Every Tuesday in Nottingham, Hope Hut fills up for football, running and games. It's run by local people, for local people, and in winter it doubles as a warm...
- [Dates, faith, fasting and powerful women: My first Iftar](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/my-first-iftar.md): A room filled with intelligence, warmth, love, and an overwhelming sense of community pride
- [St George's Day: dialogue, not debate](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/dialogue-not-debate.md): Reflection for St George’s Day The Right Reverend Rob Wickham, CUF Chief Executive
- [Web of Poverty](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/web-of-poverty.md): How can the web of poverty help us understand the interconnected challenges that individuals face, and shape our responses to poverty?
- [Archbishop of Canterbury announced as CUF Co-President](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/archbishop-of-canterbury-announced-as-church-urban-fund-co-president.md): Archbishop Sarah joins The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, to lead the charity in its mission to tackle poverty and...
- [CUF CEO Bishop Rob Wickham appointed to the new Civil Society Council](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/civil-society-council.md): New civil society council established to put partnership at the heart of government
- [Learning to trust: Service from the margins](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/learning-to-trust.md): What does faith mean when life is filled with suffering, uncertainty and injustice? Br Michael Jacob reflects
- [Justice is not a zero-sum game. Reflections from Synod](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/synid26-debate.md): If I’m to champion grassroots voices sharing the truth of poverty, I need to know how we make change locally and through the system.
- [How can we take a practical and prophetic role to challenging poverty in our neighbourhoods?](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/local_practical_prophetic_challenging_poverty.md): Father Alex Frost, Vicar St Matthew’s Church, Burnley and a General Synod member, shares his experience at both the local and national level.
- [The power of gospel and partnership](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/the-power-of-gospel-and-partnership.md): Archbishop-elect Sarah Mullally explores the unique value of Christian social action
- [Partners in Skegby](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/partners-in-skegby.md): Providing a space for people to gather, make new friends and seek support from dedicated volunteers
- [Council and community partnership working](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/council-and-community.md): At the Chat Café in Warminster, a Place of Welcome that meets in a theatre, Graham describes the difference that attending makes.
- [Internet access and bus routes](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/digital_access.md): The Wealdstone Methodist Place of Welcome is hosted as a coffee morning in its church hall every week and is attended by regulars and newcomers regularly.
- [Buddying up and being heard](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/buddying-up-and-being-heard.md): “Our policy is that no-one sits alone. We get to know people and we care” Jane Quinn, who co-hosts St Martin’s Church Community Café Place of Welcome in...
- [Open whatever the weather](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/open-whatever-the-weather.md): A priest in Stoke-on-Trent has opened up his church hall as a “cool space”, having used it as a so-called warm bank during the colder months.
- [Warmth, friendship, and practical help](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/cost-of-living.md): In response to the cost-of-living crisis in Nottingham’s Meadows area, the Cosy Cafe was launched as a warm, welcoming space for people of all backgrounds.
- ['You don't have to be part of the church to come along'](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/socialise-and-catch-up.md): As people recognise that, more are comfortable to come in
- [Serving hope](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/serving-hope.md): When it comes to serving hope through loving and persistent service, local churches like St Paul’s Church, Stalybridge are the real heroes
- [Where Community Comes Together](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/places-of-welcome-at-nottinghamshire-libraries-where-community-comes-together.md): Hosted by Inspire, Nottinghamshire Libraries’ Places of Welcome provide community and support for all
- [Listened to and treated with respect](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/treated-with-respect.md): Not attending a food bank, but a Place of Welcome, which helps by giving food, makes a difference to people's confidence
- [For all ages and stages](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/all-ages-and-stages.md): Feedback from those accessing the service makes the volunteers committed to their project
- ['They greet each other like friends'](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/they-greet-each-other-like-friends.md): We asked Denise why she started running a Place of Welcome.
- ['Tuesday is my cafe day, so I know I shan't be on my own'](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/tuesday-is-my-cafe-day-so-i-know-i-shant-be-on-my-own.md): We asked Audrey what she enjoys about coming along to a Place of Welcome.
- ['It gives me a really good incentive to come out and meet people'](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/it-gives-me-a-really-good-incentive-to-come-out-and-meet-people.md): We asked Richard why he started coming to a Place of Welcome.
- ['I came here and I felt such a welcome'](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/news/i-came-here-and-i-felt-such-a-welcome.md): We asked Pauline why she started attending a Place of Welcome.

## Pages

- [Seeing, Praying, Acting](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/church-resources/seeing-praying-acting.md)
- [Near Neighbours Hub Map](https://cuf.org.uk/near-neighbours-hub-map.md)
- [Windrush Day Grant Scheme now open](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/windrush-grant-scheme/windrush-day-grant-scheme-2027.md): The Windrush Day Grant Scheme provides funding to communities looking to commemorate, celebrate and educate about the Windrush Generation and their...
- [Windrush Day Grant Scheme - Privacy Notice](https://cuf.org.uk/windrush-day-grant-scheme-2027-privacy-notice.md)
- [Jobs](https://cuf.org.uk/about-us/jobs.md): Join us, and help build stronger, more connected and resilient communities
- [Leicester Hub](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-hubs/leicester-hub.md)
- [Request a Will Form](https://cuf.org.uk/request-a-will-form.md): Request a Will Form FormAssembly
- [Governmental Regions](https://cuf.org.uk/which-region-are-you-in.md)
- [MJB Search below:](https://cuf.org.uk/mjb-search-below.md)
- [Liverpool Hub](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-hubs/liverpool-hub.md)
- [Nottingham Hub](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-hubs/nottingham-hub.md)
- [West Yorkshire Hub](https://cuf.org.uk/west-yorkshire-hub.md)
- [Birmingham Hub](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-hubs/birmingham-hub.md)
- [East London Hub](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-hubs/east-london-hub.md)
- [Donate to CUF (MJB Test)](https://cuf.org.uk/mjb-test.md)
- [Luton Hub](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-hubs/luton-hub.md)
- [Near Neighbours Small Grants](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-small-grants.md): Near Neighbours Small Grants go to grassroots groups, churches and community centres across the country, helping them create safe, welcoming spaces where local...
- [Place-based, locally led hubs](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-hubs.md): Near Neighbours works through seven trusted local hubs in areas of high diversity across England.
- [Catalyst](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/near-neighbours-catalyst.md): A free, four-day leadership course for 16- to 26-year-olds of every faith and background. Catalyst gives young people the confidence and skills to lead, run...
- [Explore Near Neighbours](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours.md): Near Neighbours is a national programme working in some of England’s most diverse neighbourhoods.
- [Practical guide to running community projects](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/community-projects-guide.md): A practical guide for community groups and faith organisations, covering the key responsibilities needed to run projects safely, legally and sustainably.
- [Windrush Day Grant Scheme now open!](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/explore-near-neighbours/windrush-grant-scheme.md): Church Urban Fund, through its Near Neighbours programme, administers the Windrush Day Grant Scheme on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local...
- [Church Harvest donation](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/church-harvest-donation.md)
- [Monthly Harvest donation](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/monthly-harvest-donation.md)
- [One off Harvest donation](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/one-off-harvest-donation.md)
- [Advent calendar test](https://cuf.org.uk/advent-calendar-test.md)
- [Safeguarding Policy](https://cuf.org.uk/safeguarding-policy.md)
- [Privacy Policy](https://cuf.org.uk/privacy-policy.md): Our privacy policy tells you how Church Urban Fund uses and protects any information that you give us when using this website.
- [Donation church](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/donation-church.md)
- [Donate monthly](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/donation-monthly.md)
- [Donate once](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/donation-one-off.md)
- [Support our fundraising Harvest appeal](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/support-our-fundraising-harvest-appeal.md): If you can manage it, a smaller monthly donation can make even more of a difference by enabling us to support long-term projects.
- [Church resources and activities](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/church-resources.md): Explore resources, activities and practical guides to help your church and community grow in faith, discover gifts, deepen prayer and worship together...
- [Growing Good: Youth](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/courses-for-churches/growing-good-youth.md): Growing Good: Youth is an engaging, empowering journey for youth groups, taking young people from discovery to action as they explore their gifts and make a...
- [Courses for churches](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/courses-for-churches.md): From Growing Good and Growing Good: Youth to practical tools, training and support, our courses and resources help churches deepen discipleship and strengthen...
- [Thank you for your gift](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/thank-you-for-your-gift.md): Your donation helps local churches and community groups reach isolated people, build relationships and create communities where everyone belongs.
- [Give as a church](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/give-as-a-church.md): Many churches choose to support CUF as part of their community mission. Whether your congregation takes a collection, transfers funds directly or holds a...
- [Give a church Harvest](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/make-a-donation/give-a-church-harvest.md): Many churches choose to support CUF as part of their community mission. Whether your congregation takes collection, transfers funds directly or holds a...
- [Growing participation](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/courses-for-churches/growing-participation.md): These practical tools from CUF and the Centre for Theology and Community help churches enable journeys of deepening participation and discipleship, and grow...
- [Worship resources](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/church-resources/seasonal-worship.md): Resources for churches and individuals as we journey through the liturgical year together, reflecting on how we can put faith into action in every season.
- [Prayer walk guide](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/church-resources/walk-guide.md): Our prayer walk guide offers tips and ideas for organising a prayer walk, with suggestions for praying for the different organisations, institutions and people...
- [Head Heart Hands](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/church-resources/head-heart-hands.md): An activity to help you identify your own gifts and skills, and those of the people around you.
- [GRA:CE project report](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/evidence-and-insight/grace-report.md): Based on three years of extensive research, this report explores the relationship between social action, church growth, and discipleship in the Church of...
- [How CUF understands poverty](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/evidence-and-insight/web-of-poverty.md): It can help to imagine poverty as a web of interconnected challenges that shape a person's or a community's ability to thrive, including poverty of identity,...
- [Harvest Resources](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/support-our-fundraising-harvest-appeal/harvest-resources.md)
- [Neighbourhood mapping guide](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/neighbourhood-mapping.md): Neighbourhood mapping helps people build a shared picture of their local area by identifying community assets, relationships, challenges and opportunities.
- [Project planning, funding and evaluation toolkit](https://cuf.org.uk/resources/delivering-projects/project-planning.md): This guide helps churches and small community groups plan, fund and evaluate impactful projects. Whether you are launching something new or refining an...
- [Write your Will for free](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/write-your-will-for-free.md): Securing your future doesn’t require a complex strategy. Our straightforward service lets you create a simple Will easily and completely free of charge, giving...
- [Explore the Together Network](https://cuf.org.uk/take-action/together-network.md): National Movement, Local Action
- [Giving in memory](https://cuf.org.uk/support-us/leave-a-gift-in-your-will/giving-in-memory.md): Celebrate a life, inspire a future.