It is our hope that, as ministers grow and develop in their ministry and discipleship, they will identify the training and development opportunities they need. The grants we offer are intended to enable clergy and readers to make the most of these opportunities. All grants are discretionary, but please do apply and we will always seek to support you in this way if we can.
Combined CMD Grant (for licensed clergy & lay readers)
The combined CMD grant is a discretionary annual allowance for licensed clergy, licensed readers and licensed licensed lay ministers/workers to resource their continuing ministerial development. CMD grants may cover: Retreats, Learning, Study, Training, Coaching, Pastoral Supervision, Spiritual Direction and other development support agreed with the Director of Ministry.
The maximum allowance per calendar year offered varies with role.
Licensed Clergy (post curacy) £400
Curates £250
Licensed Lay Ministers/Readers £200
Area Deans & Archdeacons £700
Fom and application here: Combined CMD Grant form
Retreat Grant
See Combined CMD Grant above.
Academic Study Grant
The diocese has a limited budget for supporting licensed clergy engaged in ongoing academic study. A grant of £1,000 is made each year to someone who’s area of study or research will be of value to the wider mission and ministry of the Church.
To be considered for this grant, contact Rob.Harrison@Coventry.Anglican.Org giving a brief overview of your study objectives and your financial need in achieving those objectives. The grant is usually awarded during the summer term.
From 2025, licensed clergy can use part of their annual CMD grant allowance towards the cost of study and/or books required. See Combined CMD Grant above.
Sabbatical
'Sabbatical' is rooted in the ancient Israelite intention to let farmland lie fallow for one year in every seven. This instruction was not only good practice for agriculture, it articulated the deeper concept of 'Sabbath', that timely rest, refreshment and recreation are, in themselves, godly.
Licensed clergy can apply for a sabbatical every seven years. Individual applications are discussed with the Director of Ministry and Leadership before being passed to the Bishop for consideration.
The Diocese offers discretionary sabbatical grants of up to £700 to full time stipendiary clergy.
Policies and procedures about sabbaticals are available below.
Sabbatical Application and Grant Application
You may also wish to apply for a Ministry Bursary Award from Ecclesiastical for your sabbatical. Full details can be found here.