Summary
Partnering to fund risk-tolerant, early-stage innovation in spiritual and community life
Aims and activities
Aims and questions
Aims and activities
The Unitarian Innovation Fund supports early-stage ideas that reimagine how small, values-based communities can thrive and serve others.
We invest in bold projects in England, Scotland and Wales that explore new forms of worship, belonging, social justice, and community use of buildings. Many of these projects bridge the spiritual and the civic, addressing isolation, wellbeing, inclusion, and local connection.
We’re looking to collaborate with funders interested in learning how grassroots innovation in faith and community settings can create social and spiritual renewal.
Together, we can back emerging leaders, test new models, and share learning about what helps communities flourish.
How to get involved
We welcome funders who want to support early innovation, community wellbeing, and inclusive spiritual life.
You can:
- Co-fund individual projects (typically £5k–£25k each)
- Support themed grant rounds around wellbeing, inclusion, or sustainability
- Join shared learning and evaluation about grassroots change
To get involved or find out more, please contact Nick Butler-Watts (nbutlerwatts@unitarian.org.uk).
Who's involved
Who was involved
General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches (lead funder) - funding up to 50% of successful projects and supporting them throughout the application process.
Projects are led by congregations (individual projects or in partnerships) or their regional governing bodies.
Some projects have been co-funded by regional Unitarian bodies, congregations themselves, and potentially independent Unitarian trusts.
