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The Church Urban Fund, established by the Church of England in the 1980s, was a response to the landmark Faith in the City Report. This report highlighted the pressing need for local churches and communities to come together to tackle the challenge of poverty. The Fund was set up to provide financial support to these communities, enabling them to initiate projects that would make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with poverty. Over the years, the Fund has helped to launch numerous successful projects across the country, including several in our own Diocese. These projects have not only provided vital services but have also brought people together, fostering a sense of community and social connection.
However, as with all good things, the money for the Church Urban Fund eventually ran out. Despite this, the organization has continued to evolve and adapt, finding new ways to support local churches and communities in their efforts to address poverty. Although the Fund is no longer able to offer grants directly, it still plays a vital role in identifying and promoting funding opportunities for relevant projects. This means that even though the Fund’s own resources may be limited, it can still help to unlock other sources of funding and support for projects that are making a real difference in local communities. This approach has allowed the Church Urban Fund to continue its mission, albeit in a slightly different way, and has enabled it to remain a valuable resource for churches and communities across the country.
In recent years, the Church Urban Fund has taken a bold new approach to tackling poverty, launching the Together Network. This innovative initiative brings together partnerships between the Fund and various dioceses, each governed by its own board of Trustees. The Together Network is all about building relational partnerships that can drive positive change in local communities. By working closely with churches, national and local government, charities, foundations, and individual supporters, the Network aims to create a groundswell of support for projects that are addressing social justice issues and building stronger, more connected communities. This collaborative approach recognizes that no one organization or group can tackle poverty on its own and that, by working together, we can achieve far more than we could alone.
So, what does the Together Network actually do? In essence, it seeks to empower local churches and organizations to take action on poverty and social justice issues. This involves increasing the number of church-based social activities, such as food banks, mentoring schemes, and community outreach programs. By doing so, the Network helps to create effective responses to poverty, builds strong and flourishing communities, and fosters a sense of hope and possibility. The Network also strengthens people’s capacity to take action, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to make a real difference. This might involve training programs, mentoring schemes, or simply providing a platform for people to share their ideas and experiences.
The Together Network also places a strong emphasis on developing partnerships and collaborative working between churches and other organizations. By encouraging joined-up thinking and innovative approaches, the Network helps to create a culture of cooperation and mutual support. This means that churches and organizations can learn from each other, share resources and expertise, and work together to address complex social issues. In our own Diocese, we have a partnership with the Together Network called Imagine Norfolk Together. This partnership is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision and a commitment to making a difference. Through Imagine Norfolk Together, we are working to build stronger, more compassionate communities, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Church Urban Fund and the Together Network will continue to play a vital role in addressing poverty and social justice issues. By working together, sharing our resources and expertise, and supporting one another, we can create a brighter, more hopeful future for all. The story of the Church Urban Fund is a testament to the power of community and the impact that can be achieved when people come together with a shared sense of purpose. As we move forward, let us continue to be inspired by this story, and let us strive to build a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life, free from poverty and social injustice. With the Together Network and partnerships like Imagine Norfolk Together leading the way, we can be confident that a brighter future is within reach, and that together, we can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.
