Project information
The Grace Project
To demonstrate that a church with no contact with children can develop a lively children's work programme to benefit the whole community.
September 2011 - August 2016
Charity information: Grace for the Next Generation Ltd
-
Need
Need
Many churches have ageing, declining congregations. If a community is left without a church in its midst, the local children will grow up to be more selfish, disrespectful of authority, prone to alcohol and substance misuse and less likely to volunteer their time for the good of their community.
Solution
Grace will provide funding to subsidise pilot schemes, research and publicise the benefits so that other churches can replicate solutions that prove effective.
-
Aims
Aim 1
Hold events for children which are fun and encourage a positive community spirit.
Activities
» Grace will provide trained professionals with experience of doing this.
What success will look like
Success will be... seeing local children enjoying the events and returning for more. Positive feedback from the school about the impact the events have on the local community.
Aim 2
Encourage families to join the church so that the project becomes sustainable.
Activities
» Provide support for the church to make their services more family friendly.
» Help the church to run well-publicised events that help people to think about their beliefs and values.
What success will look like
Success will be... three families joining the church for worship and a growing Junior Church.
Aim 3
Publicise the achievements of the project.
Activities
» Publish written materials giving details of how the benefits were achieved.
» Provide a series of conferences and talks enthusing other churches to try their own projects.
What success will look like
Success will be... news that churches around the country have been inspired to develop their children's work.
-
Impact
Impact
Churches will report a growing membership, particularly amongst young people. Research elsewhere has already demonstrated that religious communities are happier and more successful. The benefits of a religious education for children last a life-time.
Risk
The biggest threat to the project is running out of money.
Good practice procedures are in place to ensure the safety of the people involved in all our events.Reporting
Donors can subscribe to our newsletters by emailing office@graceproject.org.uk
-
Budget
Budget - Project Cost: £50,000
Loading graph....Amount Heading Description £40,000 staff miscellaneous employment costs £10,000 other including resources, training and publicity -
Background
Location
We are currently selecting a school catchment area in the Midlands. The local church will have enthusiasm for the success of the project.
Beneficiaries
Children will benefit most because there will be a provision of clubs, events run by adults who care about them. They will have the opportunity to think deeply about their beliefs and values and to become better people as a result. The whole community will benefit from having well-balanced children and young people. The church will continue to flourish instead of having to close.
-
Why Us?
Why Us?
The Grace Project has the vision to undertake this project. There are many Christian organisations offering training and support for local volunteers. Grace is the only one that can provide the people-power to do the work. We have a fantastic track record for setting up projects quickly. We have the resources to do thorough research and publicise the results.
Read more about the Charity running this project.
People
Rachel Coupe
The founder. The Grace Project is underpinned by her children's work experience and research.
The Grace Worker Team
The team have a range of skills: a professional actor, organisational skills etc. All relate well to children, young people and their families.