
## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

**For the year ended 31 December 2024** 

**Company Number:  02138994** 

**Charity Number:  297483** 



## **CONTENTS** 

**Trustees, Officers 2 and Advisers** 

**Chair’s Foreword 3** 

## **Report of the Trustees** 

- Review of 2024 and 4 plans for the future 

## **TRUSTEES, OFFICERS AND ADVISERS** 

## **PATRON** 

## **PRINCIPAL OFFICERS** 

**The Rt Rev’ Rob Wickham** , Group CEO 

**His Majesty, King Charles III** 

**The Rev’d Adam Edwards,** Group Deputy CEO 

## **CO-PRESIDENTS** 

**The Rev’d Elizabeth Carnelley,** Director of Partnerships **Sarah Wallace BEM** , Director of Programmes and Innovation **Vinyo Aidam,** Director of Finance and Governance 

**The Most Reverend and The Right Honourable the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby** _to 12.11.2024_ 

**The Most Reverend and The Right Honourable the Lord Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell** 

## **ADVISERS** 

**Bankers –** 

- Financial Review 14 

- Delivering Public 15 Benefit 

- Structure, Governance 16 and Management 

- The Trustees’ 20 Responsibility for preparing Annual Financial Statements 

**Independent 21 Auditor’s Report Consolidated Statement of 25 Financial Activities Consolidated Balance Sheet 26 Balance Sheet 27** 

## **TRUSTEES** 

**Katherine McPherson** Chair _to 31.01.2025_ **Sue Chalkley OBE** Chair from _01.02.2025_ **The Rev’d Catherine Allison Jacqueline Broughton Christopher Cummings Chandru Dissanayeke Matthew Girt Alison Grieve** 

**The Rev’d Dr Anderson Jeremiah** _to 26.02.2024_ 

**FINANCE, AUDIT, INVESTMENT & RISK COMMITTEE** 

**Alison Grieve** Chair (Trustee) **Jacqueline Broughton** (Trustee) _from 20.06.2024_ 

**Sue Chalkley OBE** (Trustee) **Matthew Girt** (Trustee) **Sarah King Christopher Reeves Nick Thomas** 

**National Westminster Bank Plc** Victoria (B), PO Box 1357, 169 Victoria Street London SW1E 5NA 

**Investment Managers – CCLA Investment Management Ltd** One Angel Lane, London EC4R 3AB 

**LGT Wealth Management UK LLP** 14 Cornhill, London EC3V 3NR 

**Auditors –** 

**Forvis Mazars LLP** 6 Sutton Plaza Sutton Court Road Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4FS 

**Solicitors –** 

**Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP** 134 Edmund Street Birmingham B3 2ES 

## **Farrer & Co LLP** 

66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields London WC2A 3LH 

**Consolidated Statement of 28 Cash Flows** 

**Notes to the Financial 29 Statements** 

Registered office: The Foundry 17 Oval Way London SE11 5RR 

Registered company number 02138994 Registered Charity number 297483 

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## **ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024: CHAIR’S FOREWORD** 

2024 has been a remarkable year across the CUF group.  For much of the year we have been developing our thinking around vision, mission, strategic frameworks and the values that will direct our behaviours.  With this in mind, I am reminded of the very wise words from Jesus in Luke’s Gospel in Chapter 14 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?  For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’ 

As you will witness in the pages of this annual report, we have been focusing on building firm foundations, to support our deep desire to serve and build stronger communities over the coming years. Our stories and the impact reports that undergird them speak for themselves, and they involve many significant partnerships. We are determined to build upon these foundations, foundations which are ultimately built upon Jesus Christ and shaped by his unconditional love for everyone.  The statistics that relate to poverty are stark, and the issues are complex, but rooted in our asset based community development, and with helpful tools like the web of poverty, we are well placed to make a significant difference, again in partnership. 

We are delighted to be continuing to work with the Church of England and other dominations who partner with us in our church mission work. We are delighted to be working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government who partner with us for our community cohesion work in Near Neighbours.  We are delighted too to be working with a significant number of Investment Banks who support our financial literacy work across the Just Finance Foundation. 

In 2025 we intend to start delivery of our new strategy, ensuring our focus remains on the impact for the communities and people that we serve. We will also continue to develop and strengthen our accountability and governance, as we set out to appoint some new trustees, including a new chair.  On behalf of all the Trustees and myself, I would like to say thank you to Kath McPherson for all she gave during her time as Chair, her leadership and her friendship. 

Please do enjoy reading this Annual Report, and we look forward to partnering with you into the future. 

Sue Chalkley OBE FCIH 


Chair of Trustees 

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## **INTRODUCTION** 

In 2024 we made a firm commitment to partnership work aimed at ending poverty and to challenge the unjust structures of society.  This, we believe, is an imperative that comes from Jesus Christ, which we embed in an inclusive and holistic way, working with people of all faiths and none for the sake of the flourishing of all. 

## 1. Governance 

It has been a steady year with our Governance.  Katherine McPherson chaired the Board of Trustees throughout the year, although she shared her intention to resign which was to take effect from January 2025. The Trustee body continued to oversee their work on the new strategy, budgets, and risk. 

A Governance Review was undertaken, which looked at the Board’s effectiveness and structure.  This has led to further discussions about the relationships between the Church Urban Fund (CUF), Just Finance Foundation (JFF), and Near Neighbours (NN), and this work will continue into 2025.  Our overriding aims of this work has been to simplify our structures in order to concentrate upon impact for our supporters and beneficiaries. 

The Trustees also undertook an independent safeguarding review and a fundraising review, both of which have led to renewed plans, and in addition a renewed safeguarding policy. 

## 2. Strategy 

Throughout 2024 CUF developed a new strategic framework.  This has been a joint and iterative undertaking involving strategic partners, staff and trustees.  This work also incorporated work on values, a theory of change, vision and mission statements and the articulation of two objectives for the charity. These can all be summarised as: 

Vision: Ending poverty, together. 

Mission: We will, together, mobilise a movement of love, justice and mercy that is inspired by God, who lifts up the humble and fills the hungry with good things. 

Values: Collaboration, Compassion, Justice, Accountability. 

Objectives: i) Working in partnerships that serve, inspire and enable churches, networks and other organisations to end poverty, locally and nationally. 

ii) Revealing the truth of poverty (advocacy and voice). 

## 3. Fundraising 

Fundraising remains a crucial part of CUF’s work. 

Unrestricted funds allow CUF to respond quickly to urgent needs and long-term challenges, ensuring communities across the UK receive essential support when it matters most. The generosity of supporters, alongside fundraising initiatives, has been instrumental in sustaining CUF’s work. 

Key impact and fundraising initiatives: 

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- Community-led fundraising: Local groups and churches have raised substantial funds through sponsored events and campaigns. 

- Legacy giving: More supporters are choosing to leave a legacy gift, ensuring future stability for CUF’s initiatives. 

Our particular highlights, which demonstrate the great support and the high esteem to which our work is recognised, we received: 

- £177,150 in legacies 

- £33,033 donated by 80 churches 

- £231,933 donated by over 1,000 regular donors 

- £136,693 donated by campaigns. 

## 4. Church Engagement 

We have, for almost 40 years, been supporting and equipping churches to minister and grow in areas of poverty, in all its forms. In 2024, this work has developed in an impactful and creative way. 

## i. Look Up Tool (Objective ii) 

The Look Up Tool was relaunched in 2024 to help churches better understand their communities by providing insights into local demographics and key social challenges such as poverty, housing, and education. 

With 12,500 parishes in the Church of England, each serves a unique and diverse community. Every parish has its own tapestry of people, gifts, and challenges that shape its local culture. The Look Up Tool helps churches develop a clearer picture of these realities, ensuring their mission and outreach efforts are informed and effective. 

Mission is often described as "finding out what God is doing and joining in."  This tool helps churches discern both the treasures within their community and the challenges that must be met with faith, service, and partnership. 

Key improvements and impact: 

- 1,577 people accessed the Look Up Tool to guide their outreach efforts after its relaunch, and over 6,500 in total used it in 2024. 

- Enhanced usability with new interactive features, allowing parishes to compare data with diocesan and national trends. 

- Improved data insights to help churches identify and address specific community needs such as housing instability and food poverty. 

- More intuitive navigation, making it easier for churches to analyse key social indicators and shape their outreach initiatives. 

But the Look Up Tool is just the starting point. Through our other resources like Growing Good, churches can explore how their mission can be shaped to respond to local issues in a meaningful, targeted, and effective way. 

By renewing and strengthening the Look Up Tool, CUF reaffirms its commitment to supporting churches in building strong, resilient communities. As we look ahead, we are excited to see how churches continue to use this resource to shine a light on local needs and bring hope and transformation to the places they serve. 

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## ii. Growing Good (Objective i) 

Since its launch in 2021, Growing Good has equipped churches with practical tools to integrate social action, discipleship, and church growth. In 2024, we expanded these resources to make them more accessible and relevant to churches of all sizes and traditions. 

600+ Churches responded positively to the process: 

- 79% reported greater awareness of local needs. 

- 80% became more aware of community strengths. 

- 68% felt more confident in sharing their faith through social action. 

- 92% took action, including launching new outreach projects and forming partnerships. 

By combining biblical reflection and practical application, Growing Good empowers churches to respond effectively to community needs while strengthening faith and discipleship. 

Improving accessibility and impact – to ensure Growing Good reaches a wider audience, we have: 

- Developed specialised content for smaller congregations and rural churches. 

- Introduced new training resources tailored to different church traditions. 

- Expanded resources for youth engagement and Sunday services. 

- Provided training through webinars and events, equipping churches with tools to implement Growing Good in their contexts. 

Through Growing Good, churches across England are discovering new ways to connect, serve, and grow in faith, strengthening communities and transforming lives. 

In numbers, Growing Good: 

- 1,900 people signed up to access the toolkit since it launched 

- 120 people attended workshops in 2024 

## iii. The Together Network (Objective i) 

- 14 Core members 

- 28 Associate members 

Expanding collaboration and impact 

The Together Network continues to grow, bringing together churches, Christian charities, and faith-based organisations to strengthen social action and community outreach. In 2024, the network grew significantly, welcoming 12 new Associate Members, including URC North West Synod, Acts 435, and Hope into Action. With 28 Associate Members and 14 Core Members, the network has become a thriving hub for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource mobilisation. 

A hub for learning and support 

This year, the Together Network created more opportunities for members to connect, share knowledge, and develop practical skills to strengthen their impact. Key activities included: 

- Collective wisdom sessions: Members explored fundraising with the Benefact Trust and affordable housing with experts from Hope into Action and The Archbishop’s Council Housing Project, gaining practical insights. 

- Workers’ catch-ups: Members met three times for peer support, updates, and shared learning. 

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- Media and press training: A session run by the Media Trust helped members build confidence in media engagement. 

- Annual residential gathering: 50 members attended ‘Persevering Together’, focusing on social action challenges, government engagement, and well-being. Workshops covered funding, digital tools, and trusteeship, leaving participants inspired and equipped. 

- Steering group meetings: Core Members met six times online to share updates, discuss network growth, and explore the impact of policy changes on local communities. 

## iv. Reflecting upon the summer riots of 2024 (Objective ii) 

In November 2024, CUF partnered with the Clergy Support Trust to host a retreat for clergy and lay leaders from communities affected by the summer riots. The unrest followed the tragic murders of three young girls in Southport, with tensions further inflamed by misinformation and anti-immigration rhetoric. Over 10 days, churches became lifelines in their communities, offering emergency support while navigating the fear and violence unfolding around them. 

The retreat provided a rare space for church leaders to process their experiences, grief, and trauma, while reflecting on their role in rebuilding community trust. 

“This is the first time I’ve spoken aloud to anyone other than my vicar about my experience of the riots. I hadn’t acknowledged how deep the impact of the fear was.” – Lay leader 

Discussions highlighted the church’s unique role as a trusted community presence, while also revealing the emotional toll on leaders. Many expressed the need for greater pastoral support, clearer crisis guidance, and training in navigating misinformation and media engagement. 

Riots retreat: 

- 12 people attended: 

   - 9 clergy and lay leaders 

   - 3 team  members 

- From 5 dioceses: Liverpool, Durham, Manchester, Guildford and Chelmsford. 

## 5. Community Cohesion work 

We have focussed upon the delivery of programmes and events which are direct responses to the poverty of relationships, religious literacy and lack of understanding in particular cultures. 

## i. Near Neighbours (Objective i) 

Near Neighbours supports grassroots initiatives that bring people together to foster inclusion and social cohesion. Grants, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities until July 2024) enable local leaders to break down barriers, tackle inequality, and build long-term relationships within their communities. 

- £152,719 awarded in 49 small grants, strengthening community relationships and fostering collaborative action. 

- 86 new partnerships facilitated between local organisations 

- Places of Welcome micro-grants 

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- Places of Welcome venues provide safe and hospitable spaces where people can connect, belong and get involved. Through Near Neighbours micro-grants, these venues were able to expand outreach and introduce new initiatives. 

- 35 micro grants of £300-£500 awarded to Places of Welcome venues to improve accessibility and strengthen community participation. 

## ii. Windrush Day Grant Scheme (Objective i) 

The Windrush Day Grant Scheme, funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, celebrates the contributions and legacy of the Windrush Generation, ensuring that their stories and impact continue to inspire future generations. 

CUF processed these grants for grassroot community celebration and recognition. 

- 27 community projects received £459,690 in funding, ranging from storytelling initiatives to cultural exhibitions, honouring the Windrush Generation's place in our rich cultural heritage. 

- An average of £17,026 awarded per recipient 

## iii. Places of Welcome (Objective i) 

- 821 venues, growing from 681 in 2023 

- 140 new venues opened 

- Estimated 22,167 people reached weekly 

- 4,105 volunteers mobilised 

One of the many initiatives that Church Urban Fund provides is Places of Welcome – a network of over 900 community venues, many of them in churches, that provide their neighbourhoods with places where all people feel safe to connect, belong and get involved. In 2024, Places of Welcome celebrated 10 years of providing safe, welcoming spaces, growing to 821 locations and reaching 22,167 people with the support of 4,105 volunteers. Strong partnerships with churches, charities, and local services have been key to expanding the network and deepening its impact. 

Places of Welcome uphold the 5 Ps—Place, People, Presence, Provision, and Participation—ensuring venues remain accessible and community-driven. New venues, including St. Ambrose Barlow Catholic Church in Birmingham, launched community cafés and hubs in response to local needs. 

Strengthening partnerships for greater impact - 

- Social Prescribing: New resources were developed to help Places of Welcome connect with healthcare professionals, ensuring people in need are signposted to supportive spaces. 

- Community collaboration: Venues built partnerships with businesses, charities, and councils to offer activities like craft sessions, food provision, and family events. 

- Supporting local democracy: Ahead of the UK General Election, Places of Welcome distributed voter registration guidance to help visitors access information. 

## iv. Catalyst (Objective i) 

Catalyst is a transformative leadership programme for young people; aimed at developing creative leaders to act as positive role models in their local communities. 

88 young people participated in 2024, in 4 courses with 5 project partners: 

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- Be Educated Yourself (Birmingham) 

- Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT, West Yorkshire) 

- The Urswick School (East London) 

- Oaklands School (East London) 

- Central Foundation Girl’s School (East London) 

   - 80% of participants reported that participating in Catalyst had prepared them to take a more active leadership role in their communities. 

   - 76% reported an improved understanding of how to influence local decision making. 

   - 69% reported that the course had motivated them to volunteer in their communities. 

3 active Catalyst Alumni projects: 

- £2k grant award to BEY Catalyst alumni to start the Soul Sanctuary, a youth group for Muslim teenagers that provides space for them to connect and contribute to the community through various initiatives. 

- £3k grant award to Belle Vue Girls School (BDAT) Catalyst alumni to commission two local artists to design a mural for the local sports centre that will represent and celebrate the diverse community. 

- £1k grant award to Oaklands School Catalyst alumni to support their work with a local residential home to start an intergenerational gardening project. 

## v. Racial Justice (Objective ii) 

In 2024 we teamed up with the Anglican Minority Ethnic Network (AMEN) to support their administration and advocacy work. This work is difficult and sensitive, so we provide a stable employment base to enable the staff team to be focused upon their work. This is in conjunction with the Racial Justice Unit of the Church of England. 

## 6. Just Finance Foundation (JFF works with a different set of strategic objectives) 

Expanding financial education in schools. 

LifeSavers equips children with essential financial skills and confidence, helping them develop responsible money habits from an early age. In 2024, the reach of LifeSavers expanded, ensuring that more schools, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) settings, could access financial education tailored to their students’ needs. 

Key impact and progress: 

- 154 new LifeSavers schools. 

- Over 400 active LifeSavers schools used the resources. 

- 41,377 children accessed LifeSavers for the first time. 

- 111,234 benefited from financial education programmes in primary schools. 

- 899 new teachers trained to deliver financial education. 

Enhancing accessibility and inclusion. 

To better support SEND learners, new interactive, hands-on resources were developed, addressing gaps in traditional financial education. These materials help students engage with money concepts in ways that match their needs, making financial learning inclusive and meaningful. 

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Schools have responded positively, especially in Alternative Provision settings, where all surveyed teachers agreed that LifeSavers improved their confidence in delivering financial education. As resource pressures rise and financial stress grows for families, LifeSavers ensures no child is left behind in learning vital money skills. 

## 7. Homelessness Prevention (Objective i) 

Homelessness destroys safety, wellbeing, confidence and trust. 

We believe that being fully welcomed into relationships with others can significantly reduce this risk. That is why personal care and community are at the heart of everything we do. 

We equip local partners, churches and volunteers to help people facing homelessness develop the skills needed to live independently – now and in the future. 

## Wayfinder programme: supporting people at risk of homelessness 

Wayfinder provides mentorship and structured support for individuals facing homelessness or housing insecurity. Over the past year, it has adapted to meet the increasing complexity of participants' needs, combining volunteer mentorship with professional support for more effective intervention. 

Key impact and progress 

- 92% of participants reported having more supportive people around them. 

- 67% saw improvements in emotional well-being. 

- 42% improved their long-term housing situation. 

- 91% of participants experienced the mentor as helpful 

- 58% of participants had increased self-confidence 

Participants often arrive feeling isolated, unstable, and struggling with mental well-being. Many have struggled to access support elsewhere. By embedding Wayfinder within community hubs, delivery partners have strengthened collaboration with local services, charities, and housing teams, ensuring a holistic approach to both immediate and long-term needs. 

Mentors play a key role by offering a listening ear, encouragement, and practical guidance. Participants report feeling respected, understood, and cared for, with the most significant improvements seen in confidence and resilience. Many experience greater stability in their lives, gaining the tools to navigate challenges and rebuild connections. 

## Positive Pathways 2 

Partners and locations 

- Middlesbrough DePaul Middlesbrough 

- Bradford Hope Housing 

- Sheffield Archer Project (The Cathedral) 

- Rotherham Shiloh 

- Doncaster Complex Lives Team Doncaster Council 

In 2024, Positive Pathways 2 was launched, moving forward with 5 of its original partners, who are projects which share our vision of helping those clients who are ready to start the next stage in their journeys. 

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The project focuses on moving on; getting clients into housing and helping them stay there. We introduced clients to the partners, and encouraged the partners to actively start a social enterprise element of the project offering volunteering opportunities to their clients. 

## 8. Looking ahead: A future rooted in hope and action 

2025 marks 40 years since the publication of _Faith in the City,_ a landmark report, rooted in the lived experience of ‘Urban Priority Areas’  commissioned by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Robert Runcie. It highlighted the growing numbers of people being excluded due to poverty and lack of opportunity. One of its key recommendations was the creation of Church Urban Fund to strengthen the Church’s presence and Christian witness in urban and deprived areas. 

This anniversary is not just a moment to reflect, it is a call to recommit, as made clear in our new strategic objectives, within our vision and mission statements. 

Throughout 2025, CUF will renew its dedication to resourcing, strengthening, and empowering churches, ensuring they continue to be places of hope and transformation. In collaboration with partner organisations, we will commemorate this milestone while also critically assessing the changes of the past 40 years and discerning the Church’s role in the years ahead. 

We therefore, during 2025, aim to: 

- Bring the Board to full strength through recruitment that is currently underway, ensuring that the resulting trustees’ skills mix brings skills and expertise that will support delivery of the strategy 

- Put in place good induction and support for new and existing trustees, to ensure an effective board. 

- Publish and begin the implementation of our new strategy, including to step up advocacy and policy work. 

- Continue to develop our fundraising strategy, rooted in trusts and foundations, campaigns, legacies and philanthropy. 

- Grow the resources of the Look Up Tool and Growing Good, with the latter to include new materials around justice, and materials for use in schools and youth provisions. 

- Develop a new impact evaluation framework for our partnerships with churches. 

- Grow the Together Network further, shaped through partnerships and a renewed covenant/ Memorandum of Understanding. 

- Launch the Academy. One of _Faith in the City’s_ key recommendations was the training of clergy and lay leaders to serve in urban parishes and fostering ministry partnerships. Responding to this, CUF welcomed its first Academy cohort in 2025—a dedicated space for clergy and lay leaders to explore the distinctiveness of urban ministry. This initiative will provide practical support, training, and a collaborative environment to help churches flourish in their communities. The pilot has been planned for 2025 in the Dioceses of Rochester and Canterbury. 

- Renew our work in community resilience by developing growth strategies for both Near Neighbours and Places of Welcome. 

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## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

The Trustee Board presents their Annual Report and Financial Statements of the charity group for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

## **OVERVIEW** 

Church Urban Fund (CUF) is a charitable company limited by guarantee and was established by the Church of England in June 1987 as a practical response to unmet need and has been active in local communities for almost 40 years. Church Urban Fund’s Memorandum of Association defines its objects and powers and is covered by its Articles of Association. 

## **LEGAL STRUCTURE AND BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION** 

- _**Near Neighbours**_ was established on 15 June 2011 and has been funded principally by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), formerly the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and CUF, bringing together people who are near neighbours in communities that are religiously and ethnically diverse, so that they can get to know each other better, build relationships of trust and collaborate on initiatives that improve the community they live in. 

- The _**Just Finance Foundation**_ was established as a charity on the 15 March 2017, and was registered as a charity in Scotland in January 2024. JFF promotes a fairer financial system and equips people to manage their money better. A key focus is on helping primary-aged children, through their schools, develop a positive relationship with money and embed habits, learning and behaviours that build financial resilience into adulthood. We also develop ‘train the trainer’ community finance programmes to help people budget, save and spend wisely.  It is funded by a number of trusts, grants, and corporates. 

- The _**Together Network**_ is a network of individual charities, large and small, which was set up in partnership with CUF and the Church of England dioceses. It promotes collaborative, local social action through network building, strengthening of relationships, sharing of best practice and the development and delivery of programmes to tackle social issues including food poverty, loneliness and homelessness. 

   - Since the disaggregation of the joint ventures in 2021/22, CUF remains the convening member of the Together Network.  Membership of the Together Network has grown significantly to almost 50 charities. Discussions began in 2024 to reframe and reshape the network in the recognition of all members playing an equal role in developing and shaping the network. 

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## **TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE GROUPS** 

During the year, CUF undertook the following transactions with Near Neighbours (NN) and the Just Finance Foundation (JFF): 

- CUF received the full amount of grant from the MHCLG of £515k (2023: £415k) and  passed this over to Near Neighbours to deliver the programme. 

- Near Neighbours paid CUF a grant of £176k (2023: £4k) to administer the Small Grants programme. 

- Near Neighbours made a contribution of £169k (2023: £187k) to CUF towards the administration of the overall programme. 

- At the year end, the CUF/NN intercompany balance was £148k (2023: £199k) owed by CUF. 

- During the year, Just Finance Foundation made a contribution of £50k (2023: £50k) to CUF towards the shared central service costs provided by CUF. 

- At the end of the year, the CUF/JFF intercompany balance of £12k owed by CUF (2023: £6k owed to CUF). 

In the group accounts these transactions are eliminated on consolidation. 

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## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

## **Overview** 

The financial statements have been prepared in a way that reflects the charitable activities of CUF during 2024 in four ways: 

**1.** _The Together Network’s_ programme of activities is delivered through a network of churches, faithbased organisations and secular groups. It works ecumenically and relationally to ensure that: 

   - _Social action_ by churches and community groups – delivered directly by the Together Network – increases in its extent, effectiveness, and faithfulness, as best practice is shared, resources are leveraged, and appropriate opportunities are identified. 

   - _Collaboration_ for the common good grows, including across sectors (state, private, and voluntary), faiths, church denominations and within neighbourhoods. 

   - _Social policy,_ public opinion and public service design and resourcing are increasingly informed by real-life experiences in local communities. 

**2.** The _Near Neighbours_ programme whose aim is to: 

   - Build a network of people across particular geographical areas and develop relationships across faiths and ethnic boundaries through presence and engagement Hubs. 

   - Create engagement through provision of a small grants programme and by supporting local action. 

   - Build capacity of community and leadership delivery partners, broadening skills of individuals and organisations. 

**3.** The _Just Finance Foundation_ , which aims to create a fairer financial system focused on servicing the whole community, where everyone has access to responsible credit, savings, and other essential financial services. 

**4.** Research, evaluation, promotion, and dissemination of information to network participants and the wider public, to influence awareness, consideration and response to issues affecting the flourishing of individuals and communities. 

## **Income and Expenditure** 

Total income for 2024 was £3.81m (2023: £3.97m). 

Unrestricted income received in the year was £1.5m (2023: £1.5m). 

Restricted income includes funds for Near Neighbours £604k (2023: £492k),  and Just Finance Foundation £594k (2023: £489k). 

Total expenditure for 2024 was £3.6m (2023: £3.4m). 

The Balance Sheet funds for the group shows a slightly increased closing position for 2024, with restricted funds at  £1.04m (2023: £1.05m) and unrestricted funds at £3.01m (2023: £2.77m). The cash position at the end of the year had increased to £2.04m (2023: £1.58m) with net assets of the group being £4.05m (2023: £3.83m) at 31 December 2024. 

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CUF gratefully acknowledges the many contributions, both small and large, received from individuals, churches and legacies, without which its work would not be possible. The continued support from the Archbishops’ Council of £203k (2023: £203k) is also recognised as an important contribution, as is the funding from various trusts and foundations. 

## **Reserves policy** 

We aim to maximise the funds we can spend to support our charitable aims. The Trustees annually review our reserves policy and the level of required reserves, due to the highly volatile context in which the charity operates.  The Trustees’ aim is to maintain the correct balance between a growth strategy and the desire to achieve a prudent level of reserves.  They have considered a target level for unrestricted free reserves of between £560k and 700k, based on the scale of CUF’s activities and resource base at that time to provide operational cover to ensure a timely and orderly transition (or winding up) of the organisation, if necessary; including in the event of the winding up of either Near Neighbours or the Just Finance Foundation. 

Based on this target the year end reserves are well above the level assessed by the Trustees. Plans and active monthly monitoring were instigated during 2020 to address the shortfall incurred during that year to ensure that the charity could meet its liabilities as they fall due. The increase back to sufficient levels was in part due to a large and unexpected legacy in 2022. As such, the monthly monitoring by the Board was revised to quarterly monitoring. 

## **Investment Policy and Performance** 

Our investment policy is to focus on capital security and liquidity and to invest in short term funds to achieve this. All investment decisions will be aligned with CUF’s values and mission. Trustees will act with best endeavours to avoid making investments in companies because of their practice on environmental, social, and governance factors, in line with the Church of England’s Responsible and Ethical Investment Policy. 

At the year-end £818k (2023: £777k) was held with CCLA Investment Management Limited's ''The CBF Church of England Deposit Fund". CCLA Investment Management Limited invests in accordance with the Church of England's ethical policies. 

The legacy referred to above was received as an investment portfolio managed by LGT Wealth Management UK LLP, and has been retained in that form whilst the Trustees determine the optimal strategy for utilising it. The portfolio was valued at £1.84m as at 31 December 2024 (2023: £1.74m). 

## **DELIVERING PUBLIC BENEFIT** 

CUF’s primary aim is to tackle social and economic disadvantage.  We are also working for the renewal of civil society and encouraging the development of the charitable sector. 

We work through Church of England structures, but focus our activity on people and organisations of all faiths and denominations. Beneficiaries are not restricted by faith, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. 

The Trustees consider the guidance on public benefit each year, issued by the Charity Commission and are confident that CUF aims and objectives, as set out above, fulfil the criteria.  The Trustees do not anticipate any future change to this operational approach. 

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## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Governing Documents** 

CUF is both a company limited by guarantee subject to the Companies Act 2006 and a charity registered with the Charity Commission. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association which were last updated on 19 May 2011. The company registration number is 02138994 and the charity number is 297483. The Directors of the company are known as Trustees. 

## **Governance Structure** 

The Articles of Association allow for up to twelve Trustees and provide that the Archbishop of Canterbury is President. Four Trustees are nominated jointly by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York; three by the Church Commissioners; two by the Archbishops' Council; one by the Finance Committee of the Archbishops' Council and two are co-opted by the Trustees after consultation with the Archbishops. The current composition of the Trustees and Executive Directors is set out on page 2. 

The Trustees currently have one established board sub-committee which supports CUF work throughout the year and reports fully to the Trustees Board: 

- A Finance, Audit, Investment and Risk Committee - which operates under their designated authority and oversees and advises on financial, risk management and administrative matters. 

Membership of any sub-committee is agreed by the Trustees and comprises a mix of Trustees and co-opted members whose function is specific to the sub-committee on which they serve.  The membership of the current sub-committee is set out on page 2.  The main Board meets five times a year to review overall strategy, operational and financial performance and ensuring our statutory responsibilities are fulfilled. 

Any Trustee expenses reclaimed are set out in note 12 to the financial statements. 

## **Trustee Induction and Training** 

There is an induction programme for all Trustees on appointment, which will continue to be reviewed and strengthened during 2025. 

## **Management and Organisational Structure** 

The day-to-day management and the responsibility for the implementation of strategy and planning are delegated to the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Formal reporting to the Trustee Board takes place regularly throughout the year.  The Group CEO is supported by a team of Principal Officers, set out on page 2, collectively known as the Senior Leadership Team. 

## **Fundraising** 

Our fundraising strategy focuses on aligning with individuals, churches and organisations who share our values and want to contribute funds to supporting local communities across England. To raise funds and awareness of our work in a sustainable way, and to allow supporters to get involved in a way that suits them best, we rely on a range of different fundraising activities. Our core fundraising streams are: 

- Legacies 

- Individual Giving – namely direct appeals and regular giving 

- Church Giving 

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##  Trusts and Founda�ons 

CUF is an organisational member of the Fundraising Regulator and undertakes regular reviews of our fundraising activities, policies and processes to ensure they align with the Code of Fundraising Practice, and guidance from the Charity Commission. Our staff undertake regular training, both internally and externally, and are connected to the broader fundraising sector through organisations and interest groups such as the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. 

All our fundraising communications must reflect our vision, mission, and values. Fundraising communications will be transparent and truthful, stating whether funds raised will be used for our general charitable purposes or for a specific purpose. 

Whilst it is not a main focus of our fundraising strategy, we do also support churches and members of the public to fundraise on our behalf. This is done through church giving or sponsored fundraising activities. To maintain our fundraising standards, our internal staff work closely with these individuals, providing relevant guidance and support throughout the fundraising process. This guidance assists fundraisers to identify and protect people in vulnerable circumstances. 

Data collected by CUF is strictly confidential and we do not share this data with any third party without consent. CUF is compliant with GDPR and data protection regulations. Our staff, trustees and volunteers do not accept commissions or bonuses for fundraising activities on behalf of CUF.  We do not currently employ external professional fundraisers to raise funds on our behalf through telephone or door-to-door fundraising. However, we do seek the support of fundraising grant writers and other creative suppliers to assist our internal fundraising team. We require our suppliers to adhere to our fundraising policies and standards, and this is included in our contracts with them. 

Our supporters are at the heart of all our fundraising activities and processes. We are pleased to have received no formal fundraising complaints in 2024. If someone does want to make a complaint or provide feedback regarding our fundraising, we encourage them to do so in writing and provide helpful and clear instructions on how to do so. 

## Protecting people in vulnerable circumstances when fundraising 

We are committed to ensuring every individual that engages with CUF feels informed, valued, and inspired about our work. We will always treat donors and prospective donors with respect. This includes striving to respect the wishes and preferences of the donor. We will respond appropriately to the needs of our donors and make all reasonable efforts to adapt our approach to meet the requirements of the donor. All our fundraising staff are trained to take special care to protect people who may be in vulnerable circumstances. Our internal training includes how to identify signs of vulnerability, whether engaging with someone via telephone, face-to-face, or written correspondence. If our fundraisers identify potential signs of vulnerability, they will respond appropriately and according to our donations acceptance and refusal policy. This aligns with the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Treating Donors Fairly Guidance, and the Charities Act 2016. 

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## **CUF PRINCIPAL RISKS** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
RISK TYPE RISK MITIGATION<br>Governance  Complexity   Working through recommendations from a recent<br>governance review to simplify governance structures.<br>Operational Long term vacant  Planning for recruitment to key roles in the short<br>roles having a  term, and working with staff on re-prioritisation of<br>significant impact in  work to alleviate any work related stress.<br>resource and capacity<br>as well as staff<br>wellbeing<br>Governance Change in Chair in  Katherine McPherson stepped down as Chair in<br>2025  January 2025, but Vice Chair Sue Chalkley has been<br>appointed as Chair until February 2026, whilst trustee<br>recruitment is underway in 2025 in anticipation that a<br>new Chair will be appointed by then.<br>Financial Sustainable financial  A Fundraising Review was undertaken in 2024, and<br>model   with the development of CUF’s new strategy, a<br>Fundraising Strategy is being developed to put the<br>recommendations into action to diversify income<br>streams, particularly unrestricted income.<br>Reputation  Reporting priorities  Keeping funders informed of future programme<br>delivery, and also sharing strong impact reports<br>demonstrating positive outcomes/performance of<br>ongoing/past projects.<br>Operational Diversity awareness Significant improvements made with regards to<br>internal organisational awareness through the<br>completion of training, and practical progress to<br>recruit broader representation at board level to be<br>prioritised for greater diversity and lived experience.<br>Other Employment  Employment in the charity sector is volatile. CUF<br>uncertainty and  benchmarking undertaken to understand market<br>external competition  position. Review of non-financial benefits to take<br>place during 2025 and strengthen the reason to stay<br>at CUF longer term.<br>Displacement as other  Structural and strategic review clarifies the specific<br>charities emerge   remit and unique positioning for CUF.<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **Going Concern** 

The Trustees have reviewed the charity's financial position, considering the levels of reserves, cash position and strategic plan, in addition to its financial and risk management systems. The Trustees and Senior Leadership Team have continued with a number of measures such as detailed budgets, expenditure controls and the close monitoring of cashflow forecasts.  Accordingly, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual Financial Statements. 

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## **Key Management Personnel Remuneration** 

The Trustees consider the Board of Trustees, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) (listed in note 11) as comprising the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis.  The Trustees gave of their time freely and were not remunerated in the year. Details of Trustees and related party transactions are disclosed in note 24 to the accounts. 

The senior staff salaries are reviewed annually and normally increased in accordance with inflation.  In 2021, an organisation-wide benchmark against pay awards in similar charitable organisations took place and all salaries were reviewed accordingly, including those of senior staff.  The 2024 and 2025 pay increases were based on sector trends. All staff are paid above the National Living Wage. 

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## **THE TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENTS FOR PREPARING ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for preparing a Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare annual financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the Charity’s financial activities during the year, its surplus or deficit for the year and its financial position at the end of that year. In preparing annual financial statements, the Trustees have followed best practice and: 

- Selected suitable accounting policies and applied them consistently; 

- Observed the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP; 

- Made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- Followed applicable Accounting Standards and Statements of Recommended Practice; and 

- Prepared the annual financial statements on the going concern basis. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the Charity’s assets and for taking reasonable steps to detect and prevent fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Charity has appropriate systems of control, financial and otherwise. 

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company website.  Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

Each of the Trustees at the date of approval of this Trustees’ report confirms that: 

- In so far as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Charity’s auditors are unaware; and 

- The Trustees have taken all the steps that they are obliged to take as Trustees in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Charity’s auditors are aware of that information. 

## **Small Company exemption** 

The company has taken advantage of the small companies’ exemption as annual income and total gross assets is below the threshold.  The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provision contained in the Companies Act. 

The entity’s Financial Statements comply with FRS102. 

## **Auditors** 

The Trustees reappointed Forvis Mazars LLP as auditors at the Board Meeting on 24[th] July 2025. 

Approved by the Trustees on 24[th] July 2025 and signed on their behalf by: 


__________________ ___________________ Sue Chalkley, OBE FCIH – Chair of Trustees 

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## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF CHURCH URBAN FUND** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of Church Urban Fund (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Consolidated and Charity Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

In our opinion, the financial statements: 

- Give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended; 

- Have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- Have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

## **Basis for opinion** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s or the parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

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## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## **Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006** 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

- The information given in the Trustees’ Report which includes the Directors’ Report prepared for the purposes of company law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

- The Directors’ Report included within the Trustees’ Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and the parent charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors’ Report included within the Trustees’ Report. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- Adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or 

- The financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- Certain disclosures of Trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

- We have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

- The Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies’ regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemption in preparing the Trustees’ Report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report. 

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## **Responsibilities of Trustees** 

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 20, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the group and parent charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements. 

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. 

Based on our understanding of the charity and its activities, we considered that non-compliance with the following laws and regulations might have a material effect on the financial statements: employment regulation, health and safety regulation, and anti-money laundering regulation. 

To help us identify instances of non-compliance with these laws and regulations, and in identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect to non-compliance, our procedures included, but were not limited to: 

- Inquiring of management and, where appropriate, those charged with governance, as to whether the charity is in compliance with laws and regulations, and discussing their policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations; 

- Inspecting correspondence, if any, with relevant licensing or regulatory authorities; 

- Communicating identified laws and regulations to the engagement team and remaining alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout our audit; and 

- Considering the risk of acts by the charity which were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud. 

We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the preparation of the financial statements, such as tax legislation, pension legislation, the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice. 

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In addition, we evaluated the Trustees’ and management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements, including the risk of management override of controls, and determined that the principal risks related to income recognition and significant one-off or unusual transactions. 

Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to: 

- Making enquiries of the Trustees and management on whether they had knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; 

- Gaining an understanding of the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud; 

- Discussing amongst the engagement team the risks of fraud; and 

- Addressing the risks of fraud through management override of controls by performing journal entry testing. 

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of irregularities including fraud rests with management. As with any audit, there remained a risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.  This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

## **Use of the audit report** 

This report is made solely to the charity’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s members as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Signed: 

Nicola Wakefield (Ju ~~l~~ 31, 2025 14:32:49 GMT+1) 

## **Nicola Wakefield (Senior Statutory Auditor)** 

for and on behalf of Forvis Mazars LLP 

Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor 

6 Sutton Plaza, Sutton Court Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4FS 

Date: 

31/07/2025 

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## **CHURCH URBAN FUND** 

## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2024** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Unrestricted  Restricted  Total Unrestricted  Restricted  Total<br>Funds Funds  2024 Funds Funds  2023<br>2024 2024 2023 2023<br>Note £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000<br>INCOME & EXPENDITURE<br>Income<br>Donations & Legacies  3, 4 1,084 35 1,119 1,095 15 1,110<br>Trusts Income 3, 5 20 742 762 13 822 835<br>Statutory Income 3, 7 72 480 552 82 729 811<br>Income from Charitable Activities<br>Near Neighbours Programme  2 - 604 604 - 492 492<br>Just Finance Foundation  3  - 341 341  - 396 396<br>Church Urban Fund 6  - 77 77  -  -  -<br>Other Income 3, 8 206 3 209 213 - 213<br>Investment income 9 90 - 90 39 - 39<br>Total Income 1,472 2,282 3,754 1,442 2,454 3,896<br>Expenditure<br>Expenditure on Raising funds 10 396 - 396 458 - 458<br>Expenditure on Charitable activities 10<br>Building and mobilising a national movement<br>of faith-based partners<br>Network Development 10a 319 61 380 287 20 307<br>Equipping people to make a bigger difference<br>Just Finance Foundation  10b  - 527 527  - 408 408<br>Windrush Day/Refugee/Other Grants 10c 62 480 542 53 877 930<br>Delivery Programmes 10d 245 582 827 235 447 682<br>Near Neighbours<br>Building Networks 10e 248 248 146 146<br>Creating Engagement 10f  - 230 230  - 86 86<br>Building Capacity 10g  - 164 164  - 140 140<br>Amplifying grassroots voices 10h 286 7 293 280 11 291<br>912 2,299 3,211 855 2,135 2,990<br>Total Expenditure 1,308 2,299 3,607 1,313 2,135 3,448<br>Net income / (expenditure) before gains on investment 164 (17) 147 129 319 448<br>Gains on investments 14 76  - 76 74  - 74<br>Net movement in funds 240 (17) 223 203 319 522<br>Balance brought forward at 1 January 2,774 1,052 3,826 2,571 733 3,304<br>Balances carried forward 31 December 3,014 1,035 4,049 2,774 1,052 3,826<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the net movement in funds for the year shown above. The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006. 

The notes on page 29 to page 37 form part of these financial statements. 

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## **CHURCH URBAN FUND** 

## **CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET** 

## **AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024** 

## _**Company Number:  02138994**_ 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2024 2023<br>Note £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000<br>FIXED ASSETS<br>Investments 14 1,839 1,739<br>1,839 1,739<br>CURRENT ASSETS<br>Cash held on deposit 15 818 777<br>Bank 1,219 802<br>Debtors 16 409 764<br>2,446 2,343<br>CURRENT LIABILITIES<br>Amounts falling due within one year: 17<br>Other creditors 236 256<br>236 256<br>NET CURRENT ASSETS 2,210 2,087<br>NET ASSETS 4,049 3,826<br>FUNDS<br>Restricted 19<br>Church Urban Fund (CUF) 458 504<br>Just Finance Foundation (JFF) 349 282<br>Near Neighbours (NN) 228 266<br>1,035 1,052<br>Unrestricted 3,014 2,774<br>TOTAL FUNDS 23 4,049 3,826<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to the Companies Act 2006 subject to the small companies regime. 

Approved by the Trustees on 24th July 2025 and signed on their behalf by: 

||Alison E Grieve|
|---|---|
||Alison E Grieve (Jul 31, 2025 08:36:20 GMT+1)|
|Sue Chalkley OBE FCIH:|Alison Grieve:|



The notes on page 29 to page 37 form part of these financial statements. 

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## **CHURCH URBAN FUND** 

## **CHARITY BALANCE SHEET** 

## **AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Company Number:  02138994<br>2024 2023<br>Note £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000<br>FIXED ASSETS<br>Investments 14 1,839 1,739<br>1,839 1,739<br>CURRENT ASSETS<br>Cash held on deposit 15 818 777<br>Cash at bank 837 462<br>Debtors 16 358 738<br>2,013 1,977<br>CURRENT LIABILITIES<br>Amounts falling due within one year: 17 380 438<br>NET CURRENT ASSETS 1,633 1,539<br>NET ASSETS 3,472 3,278<br>FUNDS<br>Restricted 19 458 504<br>Unrestricted 3,014 2,774<br>TOTAL FUNDS 3,472 3,278<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Approved by the Trustees on 24th July 2025 and signed on their behalf by: 


Alison E Grieve Alison E Grieve (Jul 31, 2025 08:36:20 GMT+1) 

Sue Chalkley OBE FCIH: Alison Grieve: 

The notes on page 29 to page 37 form part of these financial statements. 

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## **CHURCH URBAN FUND** 

## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS for the year ended 31 December 2024** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
2024 2023<br>£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000<br>Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow<br>from operating activities<br>Net income for the reporting period (as per 147 448<br>statement of financial activities)<br>Adjustments for:<br>Decrease in debtors 355 1,356<br>(Decrease) in creditors (20) (21)<br>335 1,335<br>Net cash provided by operating activities 482 1,783<br>Adjustments for:<br>Purchase of investments (546)  -<br>Transfer of investments  - (1,550)<br>Disposals of investments 563  -<br>Net cash provided  by / (used in) investing activities 17 (1,550)<br>Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period 499 233<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the reporting period 1,694 1,461<br>2,193 1,694<br>Cash held on deposit 818 777<br>Cash held for investment 156 115<br>Cash at Bank 1,219 802<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 2,193 1,694<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


The notes on page 29 to page 37 form part of these financial statements. 

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## **CHURCH URBAN FUND** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **a. Basis of preparation** 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective 1 January 2019, Charities SORP and the Companies Act 2006. 

The consolidated financial statements of the Group incorporate the financial statements of the Charity Church Urban Fund and its subsidiaries, Near Neighbours and Just Finance Foundation. 

No separate Statement of Financial Activities is presented for the Charity, as permitted by the Companies Act 2006.  Net movement in funds for the Charity alone for the year was a surplus of £194k (2023: £331k). 

The Trustees have reviewed the charity's financial position, considering the levels of reserves, cash position and strategic plan, in addition to its financial and risk management systems. The Trustees and Senior Leadership Team have continued with a number of measures such as a detailed budget and cashflow forecasts, expenditure controls, and the close monitoring of cashflow.  Accordingly, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual Financial Statements. 

## **b. Income recognition** 

All income is recognised in the SOFA when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.  The following specific policies apply to the categories of income: 

**Donations** include tax recoverable where applicable, and are recognised when receivable and also when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. 

**Legacies** are recognised on a case by case basis following the granting of probate when the administrator or executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. 

**Grants** receivable and Trust Income are accounted for in the year to which they relate. 

## **c. Expenditure recognition** 

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category.  All expenses including support costs and governance costs are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings. 

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Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the charity's objectives. Grants are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities when they are awarded. 

Grants to Near Neighbours Delivery Partners are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities when the funds have been transferred to the recipients' accounts. 

## **d. Support costs** 

The support costs for grants include the costs of assessing, reporting on, facilitating the use of, and paying grants. 

Support costs relating to charitable activities have been apportioned based on the staff time spent on each activity and analysed in note 13. 

## **f. Cost of raising funds** 

The cost of fundraising comprises costs incurred in encouraging churches, individuals, and trusts to contribute to the charities' activities. 

## **g. Charitable activities** 

Costs of charitable activities includes grants made and apportionment of support costs as shown in note 13. 

## **h. Investment returns** 

Investment income is accounted for when receivable. 

## **i. Pensions costs** 

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme, Church Urban Fund Pension Plan with Legal and General for all employees.  The contributions to the defined contribution schemes are accounted for in the year to which they relate. Costs of the contributions to the scheme are accounted for in the year to which they relate and included within staff  costs (note 11). 

The charity has no liability beyond making its contributions and paying across the deductions for the employee's contributions. 

## **j. Fund structure** 

**Unrestricted funds** represents funds received that are available for use at the discretion of the trustees for any purpose in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. 

**Restricted funds** represents funds received that are subject to specific restrictive conditions imposed by donors (see note 19 for more details of restricted funds). 

## **k. Operating lease** 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. 

## **l. Tangible fixed assets and policy on capitalisation** 

Capital additions which do not exceed £10,000 are expensed in full in the year of purchase. 

There were no tangible fixed assets in 2024 or 2023. 

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## **2.  RESULTS OF SUBSIDIARY - NEAR NEIGHBOURS** 

Near Neighbours is a charitable company limited by guarantee that builds associations and relationships across faith and ethnic divisions and creates a context where people can come together to develop common values and address community issues. The Board of Trustees is appointed by Church Urban Fund and the Archbishops' Council. The company registration number 7603317 and charity number 1142426. 

Near Neighbours receives funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) which is paid to Church Urban Fund and passed over to Near Neighbours. 

|**Income**<br>Income from Charitable Activities - MHCLG via Church Urban Fund<br>Income from Charitable Activities - Other<br>**Expenditure**<br>Charitable activities<br>Building Networks<br>Creating Engagement<br>Building Capacity:<br>Young Leaders<br>Real People Honest Talk<br>Places of Welcome<br>Transfer to Just Finance Foundation<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net income**<br>Balance brought forward at 1 January<br>Balance carried forward at 31 December|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>515<br>415<br>89<br>77<br>**604**<br>**492**<br>248<br>146<br>230<br>86<br>116<br>85<br>22<br>48<br>26<br>7<br>642<br>372<br>-<br>10<br>**642**<br>**382**<br>**(38)**<br>**110**<br>266<br>156<br>**228**<br>**266**|
|---|---|



## **3.  RESULTS OF SUBSIDIARY - JUST FINANCE FOUNDATION** 

Just Finance Foundation is a charitable company limited by guarantee promoting a fairer financial system and equipping people to manage their money better.  It is funded predominantly by a number of trusts, and grants from corporate sponsors. Company Number 10204667 and Charity Number England and Wales 1172050, and Scotland 

|**Income**<br>Income from Individuals and Legacies<br>Income from Trusts<br>Income from Charitable Activities:<br>Money and Pensions Service<br>Corporates<br>Transfer from Near Neighbours<br>Other Income<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>Charitable activities<br>Financial Capacity<br>LifeSavers (including Milo's Money)<br>Community Engagement (Money Help Hub)<br>**Total expenditure**<br>**Net income**<br>Balance brought forward at 1 January<br>Balance carried forward at 31 December<br>**4. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES - CUF**<br>Donations: Individual, Church and Community Donations<br>Donations: Church Schoolmasters and Schoolmistresses' Benevolent Institution<br>Legacies<br>**5.  INCOME FROM TRUSTS - CUF**<br>The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation<br>Benefact Trust<br>The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation<br>Sir Halley Stewart Trust<br>Other Trusts|**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>407<br>7<br>500<br>-<br>177<br>-<br>**1,084**<br>**7**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>-<br>50<br>-<br>200<br>-<br>250<br>-<br>-<br>20<br>20<br>**20**<br>**520**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>28<br>8<br>222<br>75<br>28<br>148<br>313<br>248<br>591<br>479<br>-<br>10<br>3<br>-<br>**594**<br>**489**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>503<br>385<br>24<br>23<br>**527**<br>**408**<br>**67**<br>**81**<br>282<br>201<br>**349**<br>**282**<br><br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br><br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br><br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>414<br>467<br>500<br>-<br>177<br>635<br>**1,091**<br>**1,102**<br><br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br><br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br><br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>50<br>50<br>200<br>390<br>250<br>250<br>-<br>37<br>40<br>33<br>**540**<br>**760**|
|---|---|---|



31 



|**6.INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES -**<br>Archbishops' Council - Racial Justice Unit<br>**7. STATUTORY INCOME - CUF**<br>Public Funds: MHCLG<br>**8.  INCOME FROM OTHER ACTIVITIES - CUF**<br>Archbishops' Council<br>Together Network members<br>**9.  INVESTMENT INCOME - CUF**<br>Bank Interest - NatWest<br>Deposit Interest - CCLA<br>Investment Income - LGT Wealth Management<br>**10.  EXPENDITURE**<br>Expenditure on Raising Funds<br>**Expenditure on Charitable Activities**<br>Building and mobilising a national movement of<br>faith-based partners<br>Network Development (10a)<br>Equipping people to make a bigger difference<br>Just Finance Foundation (10b)<br>Windrush Day/Refugee/Other Grants (10c)<br>Delivery Programmes (10d)<br>Near Neighbours Programme<br>Building Networks (10e)<br>Creating Engagement (10f)<br>Building Capacity (10g)<br>Amplifying grassroots voices (10h)<br>**Total charitable activities**<br>**Total expenditure**|**CUF**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>-<br>77<br>77<br>-<br>**-**<br>**77**<br>**77**<br>**-**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>72<br>480<br>552<br>811<br>**72**<br>**480**<br>**552**<br>**811**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>203<br>-<br>203<br>203<br>3<br>-<br>3<br>10<br>**206**<br>**-**<br>**206**<br>**213**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>7<br>-<br>7<br>4<br>41<br>-<br>41<br>35<br>42<br>-<br>42<br>-<br>**90**<br>**-**<br>**90**<br>**39**<br>**Staff  costs**<br>**Programme**<br>**costs**<br>**Other direct costs**<br>**Support costs**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**_(note 11)_**<br>**_(note 10a-h)_**<br>**_(note 13)_**<br>268<br>-<br>60<br>68<br>**396**<br>**458**<br>281<br>27<br>-<br>72<br>**380**<br>**307**<br>347<br>60<br>70<br>50<br>**527**<br>**408**<br>62<br>480<br>-<br>-<br>**542**<br>**930**<br>312<br>417<br>18<br>80<br>**827**<br>**682**<br>33<br>195<br>8<br>12<br>**248**<br>**146**<br>36<br>176<br>5<br>13<br>**230**<br>**86**<br>70<br>57<br>12<br>25<br>**164**<br>**140**<br>167<br>-<br>84<br>42<br>**293**<br>**291**<br>**1,308**<br>**1,412**<br>**197**<br>**294**<br>**3,211**<br>**2,990**<br>**1,576**<br>**1,412**<br>**257**<br>**362**<br>**3,607**<br>**3,448**|
|---|---|



## **10a.  BUILDING AND MOBILISING A NATIONAL MOVEMENT OF FAITH-BASED PARTNERS: NETWORK DEVELOPMENT** 

|Capacity Building through resources and events: Together Network<br>Capacity Building through resources and events: AMEN<br>Staff costs<br>Support costs<br>**10b.  EQUIPPING PEOPLE TO MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE: JUST FINANCE FOUNDATION**<br>Programme costs<br>Staff costs<br>Support costs|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>21<br>18<br>6<br>-<br>**27**<br>**18**<br>281<br>203<br>72<br>86<br>**380**<br>**307**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>60<br>55<br>347<br>259<br>120<br>94<br>**527**<br>**408**|
|---|---|



32 



|**10c.  EQUIPPING PEOPLE TO MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE: WINDRUSH DAY/REFUGEE/POSITIVE PATHWAY GRANT**<br>Grants awarded to projects during the year (see note 21 for details)<br>Less writebacks of awards<br>Net grant awards<br>Staff costs<br>Support costs<br>Writebacks of awards represent grants awarded in previous years that have been unclaimed.<br>**10d.  EQUIPPING PEOPLE TO MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE: DELIVERY PROGRAMMES**<br>Positive Pathways<br>Wayfinder<br>Growing Good<br>Staff costs<br>Support costs<br>**EQUIPPING PEOPLE TO MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE: NEAR NEIGHBOURS PROGRAMME**<br>**10e.  BUILDING NETWORKS**<br>Funding Delivery Partners<br>Thrive Together Birmingham<br>St Philip's Centre, Leicester<br>Transforming Notts Together, Nottingham<br>Centre for Theology and Community, East London<br>Wellsprings Together, Bradford, Leeds & Dewsbury<br>Building Bridges Burnley<br>Grassroots, Luton<br>Staff costs<br>Other direct costs<br>Support costs<br>**10f.  CREATING ENGAGEMENT**<br>Grants awarded to projects during the year (see note 22 for details)<br>Less writebacks of awards<br>Net grant awards<br>Staff costs<br>Other direct Costs<br>Writebacks of awards represent grants awarded in previous years that have been unclaimed.<br>**10g.  BUILDING CAPACITY**<br>Funding Delivery Partners<br>**Young Leaders capacity building**<br>Catalyst Programme<br>**Community capacity building**<br>Real People Honest Talk<br>Leadership Training<br>Leadership for Effective Change<br>Places of Welcome<br>Staff costs<br>Other direct costs<br>Support costs<br>**10h. AMPLIFYING GRASSROOTS VOICES**<br>Web development and digital<br>Promotion and production<br>Research and evaluation<br>Staff costs<br>Support costs|**S**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>516<br>887<br>(36)<br>(35)<br>480<br>852<br>62<br>77<br>-<br>1<br>**542**<br>**930**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>159<br>172<br>252<br>124<br>6<br>10<br>417<br>306<br>312<br>263<br>98<br>113<br>**827**<br>**682**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>40<br>14<br>27<br>6<br>16<br>-<br>40<br>14<br>28<br>14<br>7<br>2<br>37<br>14<br>195<br>64<br>33<br>50<br>8<br>18<br>12<br>14<br>**248**<br>**146**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>180<br>5<br>(4)<br>(1)<br>176<br>4<br>36<br>50<br>18<br>32<br>**230**<br>**86**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>37<br>13<br>1<br>12<br>-<br>3<br>2<br>6<br>17<br>-<br>57<br>34<br>70<br>64<br>12<br>24<br>25<br>18<br>**164**<br>**140**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>1<br>1<br>66<br>43<br>17<br>23<br>84<br>67<br>167<br>160<br>42<br>64<br>**293**<br>**291**|
|---|---|



33 



## **11.  STAFF COSTS** 

|Salaries<br>Social Security<br>Pensions|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>1,304<br>1,158<br>135<br>118<br>137<br>110<br>**1,576**<br>**1,386**|
|---|---|



The key management personnel of the charity is comprised of the Trustees, the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Deputy Group CEO, Director of Partnerships, Director of Programmes and Innovation, and Director of Finance and Governance. 

The total redundancy costs during the year across the group was £1k (2023: £0k). 

The total employment benefits of the key management personnel of the charity, including employer pension contributions were £464k (2023: £423k). 

The number of staff whose emoluments for the year exceeded £60,000 were: 

|Normal emoluments<br>(£60,000 - £70,000)<br>(£70,000 - £80,000)<br>(£100,000 - £110,000)|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>2<br>2<br>1<br>-<br>1<br>1<br>4<br>3|
|---|---|



## **12.  STAFF NUMBERS** 

The average monthly headcount for the group was 37 staff (2023: 32).  The average monthly number of full-time equivalent employees (including casual and part-time staff) during the year was 31 (2023: 27): 

|Direct Charitable<br>Fundraising<br>Communications<br>Management and Administration|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>20<br>17<br>4<br>4<br>1<br>1<br>6<br>5<br>**31**<br>**27**|
|---|---|



None of the Trustees received any benefits from employment with the charity or its subsidiaries in the year (2023: £nil). Appropriate expenses incurred in attending meetings and on other business of CUF were reimbursed to Trustees as follows: 

|Travel, subsistence and other expenses|**No.**<br>**£'000**<br>**No.**<br>**£'000**<br>2<br>1<br>4<br>4<br>**2024**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|



The amount waived by trustees for the year was £nil (2023: £nil). 

## **13. ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS** 

The breakdown of support costs and how these were allocated is shown below. 

|Professional Costs<br>Audit<br>Accommodation<br>Trustees expenses<br>Other (Recruitment, office costs, travel and subsistence)<br>**14.  LISTED INVESTMENTS**<br>**Group and Charity**<br>**Market Value**<br>Balance brought forward<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>Gains on investments<br>Balance of investments carried forward<br>Total cash held for investment<br>**Balance of Investments**<br>**Listed investments with market value of £124k are held in Findlay Park US equities, which equates to 7% of the total portfolio managed by LG**<br>**15.  CASH HELD ON DEPOSIT**<br>**Group and Charity**<br>CCLA The CBF Church of England Deposit Fund - current assets|**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>64<br>201<br>37<br>35<br>41<br>39<br>1<br>4<br>201<br>164<br>**344**<br>**443**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>1,624<br>-<br>546<br>1,550<br>(563)<br>-<br>76<br>74<br>1,683<br>1,624<br>156<br>115<br>**1,839**<br>**1,739**<br>**T Wealth Management.**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>818<br>777<br>**818**<br>**777**|
|---|---|



34 



|**16.  DEBTORS**|||**Group**|||**Charity**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**2024**|**2023**|**2024**|**2023**|
||||**£'000**|**£'000**|**£'000**|**£'000**|
|Prepayments and accrued income|||16|17|16|15|
|Other debtors|||||||
|Legacies|||252|600|252|600|
|Donations (vouchers, credit cards)|||61|16|11|16|
|Other Debtors|||80|131|79|101|
|Intercompany account (Just Finance Foundation)|||409<br>-|764<br>-|358<br>-|732<br>6|
||||**409**|**764**|**358**|**738**|
|**17.  CURRENT LIABILITIES**<br>**Amounts falling due within one year:**<br>Taxation & Social Security<br>Accruals<br>Other creditors|||**2024**<br>**£'000**<br>14<br>41<br>181<br>**Group**|**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>10<br>94<br>152|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>14<br>10<br>28<br>83<br>178<br>146<br>**Charity**||
|Intercompany account (Near Neighbours)<br>Intercompany account (Just Finance Foundation)|||236<br>-<br>-|256<br>-<br>-|220<br>148<br>12|239<br>199<br>-|
||||**236**|**256**|**380**|**438**|
|**18.  MONEY FOR LOCAL ACTION**<br>Balance brought forward<br>Grants awarded (_note 21 and 22_)<br>Writebacks|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>-<br>5<br>516<br>887<br>(36)<br>(35)<br>**CUF Programme**<br>**Windrush Day, Refugee**<br>**and Positive Pathways**||**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>-<br>47<br>180<br>5<br>(4)<br>(1)<br>**NN Programme**<br>**Creating Engagement**||**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**£'000**<br>-<br>696<br>(40)|**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>52<br>892<br>(36)|
|Less<br>Grants paid during year<br>Returned Grants|480<br>491<br>(11)|857<br>892<br>(35)|176<br>179<br>(3)|51<br>52<br>(1)|656<br>670<br>(14)|908<br>944<br>(36)|
||480|857|176|51|656|908|
|**Balance of grants payable**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|**-**|
|**19.  RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>CUF Programme<br>Windrush Day Grants<br>Network Development - Together Network<br>Network Development - AMEN<br>Delivery Programmes||**Balance at**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>9<br>-<br>-<br>495|**Income**<br>**£'000**<br>480<br>20<br>77<br>507|**Expenditure**<br>**£'000**<br>489<br>20<br>48<br>573|**Transfers**<br>**between funds**<br>**£'000**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Balance at**<br>**2024**<br>**£'000**<br>-<br>-<br>29<br>429|
|Near Neighbours Programme<br>Near Neighbours - Catalyst||504<br>181<br>85|1,084<br>515<br>89|1,130<br>551<br>91|-<br>-<br>-|458<br>145<br>83|
|Just Finance Foundation||266<br>282|604<br>594|642<br>527|-<br>-|228<br>349|
|||**1,052**|**2,282**|**2,299**|**-**|**1,035**|



The Windrush Day Grants support groups to commemorate, celebrate, and educate people on the contribution of the Windrush Generation in communities. The Network Development costs are to support and help develop the Together Network. The Delivery Programmes costs are to support programmes work across the network. The Near Neighbours programme costs enables the work of bringing faith based communities together. The Near Neighbours Catalyst Programme funds are to run the Catalyst Young People's Leadership Courses. 

## **20.  OPERATING LEASE** 

|||**Land and Building**||
|---|---|---|---|
|||**2024**|**2023**|
|||**£'000**|**£'000**|
|1|year|14|14|



CUF's office is at The Foundry and the lease agreement requires four months notice to vacate the office space. The amount paid in rent to The Foundry during 2024 was £41k (2023: £39k) 

35 




**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
21a  EQUIPPING PEOPLE TO MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE: WINDRUSH DAY/REFUGEE/POSITIVE PATHWAY GRANTS<br>GRANTS AWARDED IN 2024 BY SECTOR 2024 2023<br>£'000 £'000<br>Grants<br>Windrush Day: Community 516 750<br>Refugees & Asylum Seekers  - 130<br>Homeless/Housing  - 4<br>Community  - 3<br>Total Grants Awarded before writebacks (see Note 10c) 516 887<br>21b.  GRANTS AWARDED IN 2024 BY REGION (DIOCESE)<br>2024 2023<br>£'000 £'000<br>Bath & Wells 15 24<br>Birmingham 27 67<br>Blackburn  - 3<br>Bristol 6 67<br>Canterbury  - 5<br>Chelmsford 45 107<br>Chester  - 5<br>Chichester 18 5<br>Coventry  - 5<br>Durham 25 8<br>Ely  - 1<br>Exeter 41 24<br>Guildford  - 4<br>Hereford  - 5<br>Leicester 39 6<br>Leeds 16 88<br>Lichfield 14 29<br>Liverpool 15 10<br>London 79 159<br>Manchester 7 28<br>Oxford 19 3<br>Peterborough 25 2<br>Rochester  - 8<br>St Albans 23 18<br>St Edmundsbury & Ipswich  - 32<br>Salisbury  - 5<br>Sheffield  - 8<br>Southwark 72 110<br>Southwell & Nottingham 12 13<br>Winchester 18 19<br>Worcester  - 15<br>York  - 4<br>Total Grants Awarded before writebacks  (see Note 10c) 516 887<br>22a.  NEAR NEIGHBOURS PROGRAMME - CREATING ENGAGEMENT IN 2024 BY ACTIVITY<br>2024 2023<br>Local Initiatives £'000 £'000<br>Near Neighbours Small Grants 180 5<br>Total Grants Awarded before writebacks  (see Note 10f) 180 5<br>22b.  NEAR NEIGHBOURS PROGRAMME - CREATING ENGAGEMENT IN 2024 BY REGION<br>2024 2023<br>Regional Centre £'000 £'000<br>Centre for Theology and Community, London 21 -<br>St Philip's Centre, Leicester 11  -<br>Thrive Together Birmingham 28 1<br>Wellsprings Together Bradford 36  -<br>King's Centre, West London  - 2<br>Grassroots, Luton 38 2<br>Building Bridges Burnley 23  -<br>Transforming Notts Together 23  -<br>Total Grants awarded before writebacks  (see Note 10f) 180 5<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


36 



## **23.  NET ANALYSIS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES BY FUND** 

|Fixed asset investments<br>Current assets<br>Current liabilities<br>Church Urban Fund<br>Near Neighbours<br>Just Finance Foundation|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>**£'000**<br>1,839<br>-<br>1,839<br>1,739<br>1,360<br>1,086<br>2,446<br>2,343<br>(185)<br>(51)<br>(236)<br>(256)<br>**3,014**<br>**1,035**<br>**4,049**<br>**3,826**<br>3,014<br>458<br>3,472<br>3,278<br>-<br>228<br>228<br>266<br>-<br>349<br>349<br>282<br>**3,014**<br>**1,035**<br>**4,049**<br>**3,826**|
|---|---|



## **24.  RELATED PARTIES** 

The charity's key relationship in the pursuit of its charitable objectives is with the Church of England. During the year Church Urban Fund received a grant from the Archbishops' Council of £203k (2023: £203k). 

During the year CUF undertook the following transactions with its subsidiary Near Neighbours: 

CUF received the full amount of grant from DLUHC of £515k (2023: £415k) and passed this over to Near Neighbours to deliver the programme. Near Neighbours paid CUF a grant of £176k (2023: £4k) to administer the Small Grants programme. 

Near Neighbours made a contribution of £169k (2023: £187k) to CUF for the administration of the overall programme. At the year end, the intercompany balance was £148k (2023: £199k) owed by CUF. 

During the year Just Finance Foundation made a contribution of £50k (2023: £50k) to CUF towards the shared central service costs provided by CUF. At the end of the year intercompany balance of £12k was owed by CUF (2023: £6k owed to CUF). 

There are no other outstanding balances with related parties. 

## **25. Legal Form of the Entity** 

CUF was established by the Church of England in England 1987, registration number 2138994 and charity number 297483.  The charity is located at The Foundry, 17 Oval Way, London, SE11 5RR. 

37 

