The Ecclesiastical Ministry Bursary Awards (MBAs) are once again open.
The MBAs have been running for more than 30 years and are open to all members of the clergy from Anglican Christian faiths. The awards will provide financial support for sabbatical breaks and projects planned for 2021.
The fundamental purpose of a sabbatical is to have time for soulful rest and refreshment for the applicant that is purposeful and balanced. Over the years, we have seen a diverse range of projects from ministerial development, pilgrimages to the pursuit of lifelong dreams.
The Archdeacon of Macclesfield, The Venerable Ian Bishop, has been part of the panel deciding on awards for the last three years. He says, "I strongly encourage those who are embarking on authorised study leave to consider submitting an application for a Ministry Bursary Award from Ecclesiastical Insurance. I am deeply thankful for the way EIG give substantial support to the Church in this way. In recent years there haven’t been many applications from Chester Diocese. Grants can be in the region of £1000 for appropriate sabbatical ideas so I would warmly commend the scheme and suggest clergy consider making an application.’
All applicants for a Bursary Award must complete the application forms by 30 September 2020.
Entries for an award must fulfil the following criteria:
• Awards are open to individual clergy in the Anglican Church in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
• All clergy applying must be in stipendiary ministry.
• All clergy must have been ordained for at least 10 years and not taken a sabbatical in the previous 7 years of applying.
• Applications are also open to Archdeacons, Bishops, Deans and Assistants1.
• Awards are provided for extended study leave only (fees for a course during the extended study leave may be considered).
• Entries must be made using the forms provided.
We do not support:
• Long-term courses such as PhD or university fees.
• An extended holiday/family holiday.
• Doing the same job in a different location.
• Solely used for academic study.
Judging criteria:
Judging of the 2021 entries will take place during November 2020 and awards will be made in December 2020.
The amount given for individual awards will be judged on the following criteria:
• Value to the individual applicant.
• The benefit to the wider church.
• Financial support already committed from other sources.
• The strength of the endorsement from a Bishop or Archdeacon supporting your plans.
For more information including eligibility criteria and to download an application form please visit www.ecclesiastical.com/mba
michael.angell@ecclesiastical.com
1 Assistants are classified as Assistant Curates, Deacons and Licensed Lay Workers including Church Army Evangelists engaged in the parochial ministry. Source: GS Misc 1206 published by the Archbishops’ Council 2018.