Update on Funds

After a concerted effort to raise the funds required to obtain the Permission to Start from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the congregations of St Mary's and the Pilgrim Parishes have so far contributed over £53k of their money.  This is a staggering amount and we are incredibly grateful for all gifts, both large and small.  A decision was made to apply for a loan from the Diocese of Chelmsford for £50k which will need to be paid back over the next five years.  We are also grateful to the Friends of Essex Churches for their generous gift of £15k towards the project.  With gift aid added in and together with funds in the church reserves towards repairs, the total now stands at over £145k.  This is a great achievement in such a short space of time. 

However, due to rising costs and inflation, the project needs to raise over £200k to see it through the next 18 months.  

To that end, we have 14 applications to charitable trusts that we are waiting to hear from.  We will be contacting businesses to see if they can help.  We will also be holding our first proper fundraising event in July.  A team is being set up to brainstorm future fundraising ideas and execute events. 

Would you consider giving to help us raise the remaining funds that we need?   Head to our Give page by clicking the button below.