In 2026 The Centre for Theology and Community turns 20! For two decades we’ve supported churches to put faith into action through faith-filled community organising. From our early beginnings just in East London to becoming strategic partners of Citizens UK and supporting churches across England and Wales, our journey has been shaped by our conviction that when churches invest in local people who are passionate about their faith, and are open to acting for justice with their neighbours, communities are transformed.
Over the past 20 years, our work across London and – more recently – across England and Wales has supported churches to develop leaders, rooting this in prayer. Together, they have taken action on housing, migration, youth safety, cost of living and renewed their own congregational life. CTC is currently supporting around 40 churches to do this work.
Our “roots down, walls down” approach to social action allows people of faith to act on their beliefs, while weaving relationships of trust and solidarity with those of other religions and beliefs. When divisive and destructive populisms are on the rise, faith-filled community organising embodies an inclusive populism which we believe is needed now more than ever.
In 2026, we’re also celebrating 10 years of applying this approach to chaplaincy in schools, and are excited by the growing interest in our approach, across a growing range of faiths and contexts.
Why Are We Fundraising Now?
While our mission has grown, funding this work can be precarious. Much of our work is grant-funded or tied to short-term project cycles, meaning that long-term planning – and long-term impact – can be uncertain.
To mark our 20th anniversary, we are launching the first fundraising campaign in our history. Our aim is to strengthen our organisation for the next 20 years by building the financial stability and flexibility that our mission requires.
Our Fundraising Goals:
- Create an Innovation Fund – a key part of our story has been incubating new projects and piloting fresh approaches – responding quickly to emerging needs and possibilities. We want to do more of this, especially where traditional funding is hard to secure.
- Build up Our Reserves – to ensure CTC has the resilience to weather challenges and plan confidently for the future.
- Support Core Operations and Administration – to free up our team to do what they do best: accompany churches, develop leaders, and grow the practice of organising rooted in the Christian faith.
How Can You Help?
This campaign is about deepening and expanding our impact and we cannot do it alone.
- Could you help us spread the word to individuals and organisations who share our vision?
- Could you consider becoming a donor and investing in the next generation of community leaders?
Every gift – no matter the size – helps secure the future of the movement we have built together.
See the impact yourself here by reading stories of the leaders, congregations, and communities transformed through our work.
