Apply now for The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund

If you're 18 to 35 years old you can apply for financial support to have an ecumenical experience abroad. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2025.

A grant from The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund can take a young person anywhere in the world (except England) to experience Christian unity.

Applicants from the previous three rounds of awards have:

  • explored the traditions of the Orthodox church in Egypt
  • studied and researched in Rome
  • farmed at an ecumenical rural institute in Japan
  • attended an international peace conference in Spain
  • visited the World Council of Churches in Geneva
  • joined the community at the inspirational Taizé 

The possibilities are endless! Where could you go? Get some ideas about the opportunities available.

CTE’s Min Shermara Fletcher-Hoyte, who is leading the young ecumenists project, said: “Ecumenism is a great opportunity to explore Christian traditions outside of your own that will help you to deepen your understanding of God as well as build relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ from other traditions.

“The opportunity to do this abroad is life-changing and CTE is committed to creating this platform for you to do this. Apply! This could be the catalyst that transforms your experience of faith, and allows you to make new friends and join new communities.”

Applications to this round of The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund need to be submitted by 31 March 2025. The fund will then open for another round of applications in Autumn 2025. Fill in an application form (link live shortly).

Across these two rounds, there is approximately £6,000 available. There are no minimum or maximum amounts for which one can apply. However, the decision-making panel are keen to fund as wide a range of opportunities as possible with the budget available to them.

Key application criteria

  • Applicants should be affiliated with a CTE national Member Church
  • Applicants should be between the ages of 18 and 35 at the time of their ecumenical experience

Visit The Bill Snelson Fund for Young Ecumenists microsite.

Download the guide to The Bill Snelson Fund for Young Ecumenists.