Unitarian Innovation Fund

Transforming faith communities through bold ideas 

Up to £125,000 available to help your congregation grow, connect, and make lasting impact. 

Are you ready to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and create meaningful change?  

The Innovation Fund supports visionary projects that help Unitarian communities grow, connect, and build a more inclusive, resilient, and spiritually grounded future. 

Start Your Application

What we offer 

Innovation Grants 

  • Funding: Up to £25,000 per year for up to 5 years (maximum £125,000) 
  • Requirements: At least 50% match funding from your own resources or partners 
  • Purpose: For bold projects that reimagine Unitarian communities 

You can propose a project of any size, but we can’t contribute more than £25,000 per year. 

Funding example 

Total project cost: £50,000 over two years 

  • Year 1: £20,000 (Innovation Fund: £10,000 + Your match: £10,000) 
  • Year 2: £30,000 (Innovation Fund: £15,000 + Your match: £15,000) 

Innovation Fund contribution: £25,000 

Match funding sources: District support, congregational reserves, in-kind volunteer time 

Development Grants 

  • Funding: £1,000-£5,000 (no match funding required) 
  • Purpose: To pilot small projects or develop larger proposals 
  • Examples:  
  • Commissioning research to understand the need or demand for your idea  
  • Planning and feasibility advice from an expert  
  • Testing out a mini pilot project, to learn what does/doesn’t work, to give you confidence, gain information etc.  
  • Training in skills that are essential for the project’s success that are missing within your group/congregation  
  • Support in writing a funding application  
  • Backfilling someone’s role, so that staff can focus on developing this project 

Who can apply? 

We welcome applications from: 

  • Fellowships 
  • Congregations 
  • Districts 
  • Ministers & lay leaders 
  • Individuals with projects serving Unitarian communities 

Individuals or unaffiliated groups must demonstrate a clear commitment to Unitarian values and show how their project will benefit Unitarian communities. Where appropriate, applicants are encouraged to seek a Unitarian sponsor or partner.

What we’re looking for 

We want to fund projects that: 

  • Invest in the future — Not just continuing existing activities 
  • Question established approaches — Embrace new models and mindsets 
  • Take creative risks — Step outside comfort zones 
  • Inspire others — Show potential to influence wider Unitarian communities 
  • Promote inclusion — Engage those often missing from Unitarian spaces 
  • Fill genuine needs — Address gaps without duplicating existing work 

We don’t fund: 

  • Building repairs or renovations 
  • Work that is already complete 
  • Projects with no clear benefit to the Unitarian movement or its values 
  • Routine running costs (unless part of a pilot) 
  • Ongoing staff salaries (unless for time-limited project) 
  • Projects and organisations outside the UK 

Our five key assessment areas 

These may not be the only things that are taken into account but give you an idea of main things we are looking for. 

  1. Vision & Innovation 
    We seek projects with a clear, compelling vision rooted in hope, imagination, and Unitarian values. How does your idea challenge conventions and help your community evolve? 
  1. Impact & Reach 
    How will your project strengthen your Unitarian community and help it grow? What difference will it make within your congregation and the wider community? 
  1. Feasibility & Planning 
    Show us your project is well-thought-through with realistic budgets, timelines, and risk management strategies. 
  1. Sustainability & Long-Term Benefit 
    How might your project continue beyond funding? Could others replicate your success? What lasting benefits will remain? 
  1. Inclusion & Accessibility 
    How will you ensure your project is welcoming and fair? Have you considered barriers to participation and ways to involve diverse voices? 

Application process 

1. Expression of interest – open now 

Submit your initial idea through our simple online form. You don’t need to have everything figured out, this is just a starting point once you have an initial idea. We’ll provide feedback within 3 weeks and help develop your concept if appropriate. 

Submit your expression of interest

2. Full application, by invitation 

If your idea shows potential, we’ll invite you to complete a detailed application. 

Full applications will be taken on a rolling basis until Summer 2030 and there’s no cutoff date for applications. 

3. Assessment and decision 

Please allow 1-4 months for a decision (applications are reviewed by a quarterly assessment panel). 

4. Project implementation 

Successful applicants receive ongoing support, with flexible approaches to project evolution. 

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until Summer 2030 

Essential requirements 

Before applying, ensure you have: 

  • Safeguarding Policy and DBS checks — Required if working with children, young people, or adults at risk of abuse (Need help with safeguarding? GA affiliated groups receive 25% discount from 31:8 with code: UNIT25 
    Get Safeguarding Support )
  • Proper Permissions — Including necessary governance approvals 
  • Financial Management — Systems to manage funds responsibly with clear oversight 

Support every step of the way 

We’re committed to your success: 

  • Pre-application workshops – Practical guidance to shape your ideas and help you apply.  
  • Check our events page and sign up to Uni-News to hear about upcoming webinars. 
  • One-to-one consultations – personalised support from our team 
  • Accessibility support – if you need support completing applications 
  • Ongoing project mentoring — Regular check-ins and problem-solving 
  • Bespoke sessions for your group – e.g. a workshop, facilitation, strategic planning 

Want help? Contact Nick

After funding 

Successful projects will: 

  • Provide quarterly progress updates 
  • Submit an annual written report 
  • Share learnings with the wider Unitarian community 

Flexibility is key 

We understand that projects evolve. Our fund allows for: 

  • Reasonable plan adjustments 
  • Budget modifications 
  • Adaptive outcome tracking 

Ready to make a difference? 

Join the movement of Unitarians creating bold new futures for our communities. The first funding round begins Summer 2025. 

Begin your Innovation journey