The Innovation Fund: Four projects transforming Unitarian communities
From children and families at the heart of Birmingham to historic chapels finding new life, four groundbreaking projects are exploring new ways for Unitarian communities to worship, serve and belong, thanks to the latest round of grants from the General Assembly’s Innovation Fund.
The funded projects
Birmingham Unitarians: Children’s Programme Lead
Brum Unitarians have been awarded funding to employ a Children’s Programme Lead, creating a structured, inclusive Sunday programme for children and families grounded in Unitarian values of diversity, spirituality and social justice.
Building on the success of a 2025 pilot programme that attracted families of “all beliefs and no beliefs,” the initiative addresses the growing needs of younger members. The dedicated lead will design and manage engaging activities that help children explore their values, community and spirituality, whilst fostering intergenerational gatherings, partnerships with other youth organisations and age-appropriate social justice projects.
“Our vision is to create a thriving, inclusive Unitarian community where people of all ages and backgrounds can find spiritual value and a sense of belonging,” said Susanna Rickard, Treasurer of Brum Unitarians.
“This project is a bold step forward in ensuring that children and families are at the heart of our community.”
The Children’s Ministry Lead will also act as a vital link between Brum Unitarians and the wider Unitarian youth and children’s network in the UK, ensuring the programme remains sustainable and accessible to all, with outreach to Birmingham’s diverse communities and a focus on inclusivity for families from all ethnic, cultural and LGBTQ+ backgrounds.
Trebanos: Graig Community Hub and Garden
Gellionnen and Graig Unitarian Chapel have successfully secured funding for a part-time Community Minister to develop their Graig Community Hub and Garden in Trebanos, Neath Port Talbot. Rev. Rory Castle Jones will take up the role, complementing his existing part-time ministry at nearby Gellionnen Chapel.
Building on a successful pilot, Rory will support a team of volunteers, trustees and deacons to create a welcoming centre for community, wellbeing and spirituality. The programme will include gardening, coffee mornings, school visits and support groups, rooted in Unitarian values and designed to tackle social issues like loneliness, mental health and poverty.
Over five years, their vision is for the hub to grow into a vibrant space that is open every day, offering diverse programmes to foster a sense of belonging and connection. The General Assembly’s funding is being matched by The Wood Green Trust, South East Wales Unitarian Society, Unitarian Transformers, Kensington Unitarians and others.
“The Graig Hub is emerging as a beacon of inclusive, community-led transformation, bringing together spirituality, wellbeing and social justice,” said Councillor Brigitte Rowlands for Clydach ward.
“Through outreach initiatives focused on combating poverty, food insecurity, mental ill health and loneliness, the Graig Hub is positioning itself as a vital resource and sanctuary.”
Ditchling and Lewes: Non-traditional ministry pilot
Led by the Unitarians in London and the South East (LDPA) in collaboration with the Ditchling and Lewes congregations, this initiative explores new ways of meeting ministry needs and fostering growth within communities.
A six-week pilot programme brings a professional minister on board to provide support, guidance, programming, vision planning and needs assessments. Working closely with the LDPA, the project tests and scopes alternative ministry models designed to better serve congregations and local communities, with a focus on sustainability.
Their longer-term vision is to develop sustainable, healthy and growing congregations that act as hubs for leadership and community engagement, hoping to create a model that can shape the future of ministry across the movement.
Whitby and Chatham: Securing a legacy of dissent
Led by the Whitby and Chatham Unitarian congregations, this project will assist them in repurposing their historic chapels in a way that preserves their legacy and ensures they remain accessible to the Unitarian movement in the long term. The grant funds expert advice and research to explore innovative solutions, including medium-term leases to suitably aligned local organisations.
This approach ensures the chapels remain vibrant community spaces whilst safeguarding their future within the movement. In the short term, the project provides expert advice and support to congregations during this transition, whilst enabling local organisations that align with Unitarian values to benefit from these beautiful and historic spaces.
The longer-term vision is to establish a national structure for shared management of Unitarian chapels, ensuring their preservation and potential return to worship use. This pilot marks the first step in reimagining how historic religious buildings can serve the movement and their communities.
How the Innovation Fund works
The Innovation Fund offers grants of up to £125,000 (available in tranches of up to £25,000 per year for up to five years) for visionary projects that help Unitarian communities grow, connect and build a more inclusive future. Development Grants of £1,000–£5,000 are also available for pilots and feasibility studies.
Applications are assessed by quarterly panels and are accepted on a rolling basis until Summer 2030. Projects should be grounded in Unitarian values and address a genuine need or opportunity in your community.
Your project could be next
Ready to transform your community? Contact Nick Butler-Watts for support with your application, or submit an expression of interest through the online form.