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These are challenging times, not just for parishes, but for the diocese as a whole. Each of us must do all we can if we are to come out of this present situation well and in a reasonably healthy position financially.We do not know how long this present situation is going to last but, in any event, we have a responsibility, as a diocese, to make plans for the coming months.In order to meet this incredibly challenging situation, the Diocesan Board of Finance will need to call on its reserves. It is vital, we believe, that Parishes are prepared to use their reserves as well. Reserves are called “money for a rainy day”. This has to be the ultimate rainy day. We trust that all Parishes will join in the vital task of ensuring that they pay their share (drawing on their reserves, if necessary), because that, in turn, means that the Board of Finance can pay its bills. We are a hopeful and generous Church and, if we pull together, we can weather this storm. Information about giving and Gift Aid were sent out in an earlier mailing and can be found on the diocesan website.The DBF is monitoring the finances closely. We have reduced expenditure and continue to look for any savings where we can. Four members of staff have agreed to be placed on furlough and two other members of staff have generously volunteered to take pay cuts in a combined effort to help in this current situation. For this, we are extremely grateful.Times are tough, but we have been heartened to hear how congregations still wish to support their church families by continuing their giving. Let us continue to pray for one another and support one another as best we can; financially as well as in other ways. For that is what being the Body of Christ is all about – in times of challenge as well as times of flourishing.Useful Support and GuidanceIn times of uncertainty we are often told to focus on the things that we can control and by actioning those we can make a positive steps through. Please find below some suggestions and links we hope will be useful.Grants

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Reopening Church Buildings Grant Scheme

We are pleased to be able to offer a grant to assist with the costs associated with re-opening church buildings.

Download the application form

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Cash FlowKeep a close eye on cash flow for the next few months, a simple cash flow forecast like the example below is a good tool for keeping track. Regularly review and amend as necessary as information is received.

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Options for Online GivingWhilst your church is unable to hold services and take a physical collection there are still ways to encourage people to give.Perhaps you could provide a link to your preferred online giving with any services you stream?The following wording could be added to social media and website posts “We rely on donations to provide care and support to everyone in this community – even when our buildings are closed. Now more than ever, please consider giving generously to support our mission and ministry. Thank you for your support”Gift Direct is the way The Church in Wales manage Gift Aid Donations and they have now put the scheme online. This allows people to set up regular giving or amend existing donations Gift Direct payments they already have set up online. Please click here to find out more.There are also options for one off donations.give.net is an online fundraising website from Stewardship, you need to complete a simple registration process with Stewardship and can then receive regular or one-off donations. As with Gift Direct, give.net will manage the gift aid on any donations. give.net do take a 3% admin fee, so from a donation of £10 which was eligible for gift aid putting it up to £12.50, your church would receive £12.12. You can request to receive any donations weekly or monthly.GoFundMe is another option for one off donations. They charge a 1.9% admin fee plus 20p per donation, but this isn’t charged on the gift aid. So from a £10 donation eligible for gift aid, your church would get £12.11. To withdraw the donations you must have a Paypal Giving set up linked to your church account. You can request a withdrawal at any time and it will be paid into your paypal account in 3-5 days.Fraud & Cyber CrimePlease be alert, it is when people are distracted or at their most vulnerable that fraudsters take the opportunity to strike. Remain vigilant and help to warn others, anyone can be a potential victim.To protect yourselves and keep up to date with the latest scams visit:https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/Advice on FurloughingSpecific Government guidance can be found on the link below. The ACAS website also has useful links.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-schemehttps://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus/if-the-employer-needs-to-close-the-workplaceLocal GovernmentEach local authority has produced online guidance for what is available. Visit the landing page of your relevant authority for the link to the Covid-19 guidance and assistance.National Council for Voluntary Organisations / Wales Council for Voluntary AssociationsCharity specific guidance on a variety of issues from NCVO and WCVA.https://www.ncvo.org.uk/practical-support/information/coronavirushttps://wcva.cymru/coronavirus-statement/Fundraising RegulatorAdvice and guidance on the impact Covid-19 will have on the fundraising for your charity.https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/more-from-us/news/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-fundraising