Religion and Worldviews Education Funders

The Religion and Worldviews Education Funders Group is an informal network of trusts and foundations supporting work in RE/RVE/RMPS* and in religion and belief literacy across society. It reflects a shared commitment to the vital role of religion and worldviews education - not only within formal schooling across the four nations, but also as part of lifelong learning that engages people of all ages and spans a wide range of sectors.

The group brings together a diverse range of funders. It includes those with and without a religion or belief foundation, including members of the Association of Church College Trusts (ACCT). It creates a space to connect, share insight and explore opportunities for collaboration. It meets once a term for two hours online, with one in-person meeting each year.

Discussions include updates on national policy, developments in teacher education, and emerging research in religion and worldviews education. Alongside this, the group explores wider societal issues, including community cohesion, freedom of religion or belief, diversity and inclusion. Members share and develop approaches to effective grant-making, including collaborative models such as pooled funding, co-commissioning, and participatory grant-making.

We welcome new funders with an interest in education, community cohesion, and religion and belief literacy, particularly those looking to engage more deeply with the intersections between these areas across society.

*_{RE = Religious Education (used in England and Northern Ireland)
RVE = Religion, Values and Ethics (used in Wales)
RME/RMPS = Religious and Moral Education or Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (used in Scotland)}