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<p>The details of individual parish finances is not generally a matter for the Church
Commissioners, though other parts of the National Church Institutions and dioceses
have been keeping planned giving and donations under careful review. Churches that
have a solid foundation of regular giving through direct debit or standing order appear
to be withstanding the pandemic much better than those whose finances were more reliant
on church hall income, fundraising events, visitor donations and cash in the offertory
plate. During the first national lockdown whilst some parishes saw a substantial drop
off in donations others have embraced new technology using digital giving, and social
media and, when Church buildings are open, contactless giving.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>
</p><p>Although there has been a significant reduction in parish payments to dioceses
to fund ministry costs, this has been less than anticipated at the start of the national
lockdown, in part boosted by use of reserves as well as the generosity of givers.
We grateful to the Government for allocating over £30million from the Culture Recovery
Fund to support major churches and cathedrals. The Church Commissioners have also
made significant funds available where possible to support music, essential craft
and tradespeople alongside sustainability funding and salary support for cathedrals.
The continuation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme is also important for
the future funding of repairs to church buildings and the Archbishops’ Council have
made representations to the Treasury about this.</p><p> </p>
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