Developed by the National Giving Team, Cornerstone is an online generosity tool available free of charge to all Church of England churches. It offers three distinct functions: Insights, Pathways and a comprehensive Grants database.
Insights
Cornerstone is designed to help churches develop the most detailed picture they’ve ever had of their financial situation – whether that’s a source of joy or concern. Using Parish Returns data, Cornerstone identifies different types of giving and shares comparisons with other churches both in the same diocese and nationwide.
Equipped with detailed information, churches can then pursue two different ways of changing or enhancing the picture – Pathways and Grants.
Pathways
The information a church receives from the Insights phase gives them a picture of where they can focus their efforts. Some may only have capacity for one or two ‘quick wins’, while others are ready for a full-on campaign. There are almost 50 Pathways on the platform and churches can undertake as many or as few as they wish.
A Pathway takes a single topic and breaks it down into steps, none of which take longer than half an hour. Templates and links to videos and instructions are provided. You can skip bits that you’ve done already or aren’t suited to your setting. They’re a great way of encouraging people to volunteer who may be uncertain about something they haven’t done before and welcome some help.
Grants database
All churches have completely free access to over 650 grants, curated for churches. Covering a range of purposes, values and geographic areas, this searchable, filterable database is updated weekly and is the biggest range of grants currently available to churches. Each grant is described and there is a link to the grant making body so you can read further and apply.
What churches have said:
“What was most valuable was the ability to see the process we are about to embark on.”
“Identifying pathways helped us see where there can be quick wins.”
“We liked the practical ideas about communicating impact to all our worshipping community and electoral roll."
What do I do next?
Contact your Diocesan Giving Advisor for details on how to access the platform. They will talk you through the process and provide support throughout.