The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund opens for the first time

18 to 35 year olds can apply now for a grant to support an ecumenical experience abroad. Closes 31 October 2023.

A new fund which will help young adults – aged 18 to 35 – to experience ecumenism outside England is now open for applications. Their experience can be study, pilgrimage, volunteering or any activity that promotes church unity.

The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund has been set up by Churches Together in England and the Snelson family in memory of Bill Snelson. A dedicated ecumenist, he was General Secretary of Churches Together England from 1997 to 2008.

Engaging with young ecumenists is a key priority for CTE, which is working to involve them across all its workstreams and in all its events.

“Churches Together in England is passionate about inspiring young adults to become the next generation of ecumenists in their churches, and empowering them to play an active part in CTE. We hope that young people from across our wide range of member churches will seize this opportunity to expand their experience of being Christians together in today’s challenging world,” said the Chair of CTE’s Trustees, Rowena Loverance.

Applications for The Bill Snelson Young Ecumenists Fund need to be submitted by 31 October 2023. The fund will then open for the next round of applications in early 2024. 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.