SCPA is funded entirely through a mix of donations, grants, project funding and church support. Securing grants and project funding is highly time-consuming – effort that takes us away from focus on our core mission – and often comes with strings attached (i.e. we can only use the money for specific activities or projects).
By far the best funding that we get comes from Christians and Churches. However, we recognise that most churches struggle with their own finances just as we do, so we rarely make a direct ask to churches (in many respects volunteer time is more valuable, though of course we still have to pay our bills!). On this page, we share some of the ways that Churches and individual Christians can and do support us:
As part of annual Charitable Giving
Some Churches have an annual Charitable Giving budget as a form of tithing. Amidst a plethora of international, national and local good causes, we are grateful for those churches which nominate us to receive a share of their generosity.
As a monthly form of direct support
One church and a number of individuals have standing orders to support us on a monthly basis. This is incredibly valuable to us as our expenditure is fairly stable on a monthly basis. We are blessed at the moment (Spring 2026) to have two anonymous donors who are willing to match fund (i.e. double) any new monthly standing orders (up to a limit in total).
As a result of special collections
An increasing number of Churches are supporting us through special collections during the year. Christmas is a good time to remember a worthy local cause (especially if your church has already covered its annual costs) and CAP Sunday, which falls in October, is another good time (perhaps sharing the proceeds with CAP). At least two churches are supporting us with the proceeds of their Lent lunches this year.
From an external funding source
At least one church has an income-generating Car Park and shares the net proceeds across a small number of charities, including SCPA.
From a sponsored event
Every couple of years we organise a sponsored event – a walk or run, maybe – in which SCPA team members can be sponsored by their churches, their fellow Christians or their friends to complete the event. If you have any ideas for sponsored events, let us know: we’re always looking for good fundraising ideas.
From commercial activities
One very generous supporter (and volunteer) sells handmade cards and other personalised items, giving the net proceeds to SCPA. No doubt there are other skills (baking?) that have the same potential.
From community events
We often organise events (dinners, film nights, concerts etc.) to which supporters can come (and invite their friends) to hear about our work and support us through in-event donations. If you would like to host an event, we are always happy to come along and speak or present.
Many of these ideas have benefits to us in multiple dimensions: not just fundraising but awareness-raising and volunteer recruitment. A small local Charity like us thrives on as many people as possible knowing what we do and the heart that we (all) have for the last, the least and the lost. In social welfare terms, we offer ourselves as your ministry arm!
As you will all appreciate, fundraising is hard work but it can also be fulfilling and fun. If you have any ideas as to how we can be more effective in doing so, please let us know. In an ideal world, our funding needs would be met by Churches and individual Christians, so that we need not appeal to grant funders and project sponsors.
If you would like to make a personal donation now, please click here.