Excellent4.8 out of 5
Church Urban Fund
Tackling complex challenges like poverty and exclusion across England by mobilising people, churches, and whole communities to make a positive difference.
Tackling complex challenges like poverty and exclusion across England by mobilising people, churches, and whole communities to make a positive difference.
Church Urban Fund
16/04/2026
Understanding the interconnected challenges of poverty, and shaping our responses
How can the web of poverty help us understand the interconnected challenges that individuals face, and shape our responses to poverty?
We put these questions to Jessica Foster, Head of Church Engagement at Trussell, and asked her to suggest some practical steps that churches can take in response. Trussell's UK-wide community of food banks support people facing hunger and hardship – which are closely linked to poverty.
Church Urban Fund
16/04/2026
Archbishop of Canterbury announced as Church Urban Fund Co-President
Church Urban Fund (CUF), England’s social action charity, warmly welcomes The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Archbishop of Canterbury, as Co-President. Archbishop Sarah joins The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, to lead the charity in its mission to tackle poverty and exclusion.
Archbishop Sarah and Archbishop Stephen said:
“We are delighted to serve together as Co-Presidents of Church Urban Fund. CUF’s vision — for a society where everyone can access the resources, confidence, and community they need to thrive — reflects the very heart of the Church’s mission to love God and our neighbours. At a time when many communities continue to face poverty and isolation, it is vital that churches are equipped and encouraged to respond with compassion, hope and practical action. Church Urban Fund plays a crucial role in enabling this work across England. We warmly encourage churches and individuals to pray for and support CUF’s mission.”
More: https://cuf.org.uk/news/archbishop-of-canterbury-announced-as-church-urban-fund-co-president
Church Urban Fund
16/04/2026
CUF CEO Bishop Rob Wickham appointed to the new Civil Society Council
Our Chef Executive, Bishop Rob Wickham, has been appointed to the new Civil Society Council, established by the Prime Minister to bring civil society into the heart of government decision‑making.
The Council will drive a new approach to partnership with civil society, overseeing implementation of the Civil Society Covenant at national and local level, and builds on last summer’s Civil Society Summit and the launch of the Office for the Impact Economy.
Rob said: “My appointment puts faith-based community efforts front and centre of the government’s plans to serve the public.
Church Urban Fund
16/12/2025
What does the budget mean for you and your community?
Reflecting on the budget? Our Look Up Tool can help your church: • Identify and understand who lives in your community, and the real issues they may face, such as poverty, housing and education • Discover new opportunities to reach your neighbours and pray about the issues they face • Guide your church’s mission, ensuring your initiatives are targeted and effective.
Look Up Tool: https://cuf.org.uk/lookup-tool
Church Urban Fund
16/12/2025
Why stories matter
Church Urban Fund
18/09/2025
No place for racism in the political act of shaping a world as God intends it to be
Our Chief Executive, Bishop Rob Wickham, shares CUF's response to the rise in use of St George’s cross and Union flags. Read the whole reflection: https://cuf.org.uk/news/no-place-for-racism
Church Urban Fund
15/09/2025
Community Organising and Discipleship
When we think of discipleship, images of Bible studies or Sunday services often come to mind. But what if Jesus’ example of discipleship was less about what we do, and more about a way of being? Explore with Charnelle Barclay, co-director of Organising for Growth at the Centre of Theology and Community. More: https://cuf.org.uk/news/community-organising-and-discipleship
Church Urban Fund
29/08/2025
Gambling and Child Poverty
Leaders from across faiths came together to urge the government to take ambitious action in their upcoming child poverty strategy, including by scrapping the two-child limit and benefit cap. A letter from faith leaders to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, signed by CUF CEO Rob Wickham, was also sent, referring to proposals from IPPR and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to introduce taxes to gambling profits to pay for the limit to be scrapped. These are the sort of creative and ambitious solutions that are urgently needed if more children aren’t going to be pushed into poverty over the coming years. More: https://cuf.org.uk/news/gambling-and-child-poverty
Trustpilot