Barnabas Fund
About This Funder
Barnabas Fund, also known as Barnabas Aid, is an international Christian aid agency founded in 1993 by Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo to support Christians facing discrimination, oppression, or persecution due to their faith, especially as minorities. Rooted in biblical principles, its mission delivers practical and spiritual aid "from Christians, to Christians, through Christians," emphasizing stewardship, transparency, love, respect, and advocacy to strengthen the global persecuted Church via prayer, awareness, and grants. Distinctive for its exclusive faith-based focus, it channels resources through trusted local Christian networks in over 60 countries, primarily Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
It funds grassroots projects addressing persecution-related needs, including emergency relief, food/medical aid, infrastructure rebuilding, disaster recovery, Christian education, church support, leadership training, and small business initiatives for impoverished believers. Beneficiaries are exclusively Christian individuals, communities, churches, and organizations suffering hardship specifically because of their faith, with grants advancing the Christian faith, relieving poverty, and promoting human rights among them—not general needs.
Eligibility is invite-only for established local Christian partners with proven accountability; it does not accept unsolicited applications, favor small/medium grassroots entities, and imposes no geographic base or income restrictions but prioritizes international high-need regions over UK projects. Typical grants range from £5,000 to £50,000 as restricted project funding on a rolling basis, identified via field contacts without public deadlines or forms.
Exclusions include secular organizations, general poverty relief, core/unrestricted funding, and large NGOs; it stands apart through its overt evangelical rationale, rejection of broader aid models, and history of Charity Commission scrutiny over governance issues, yet remains committed to resilient, faith-driven solidarity for the persecuted Church.
Frequently Asked Questions about Barnabas Fund
How much funding does Barnabas Fund provide?
Barnabas Fund typically provides grants ranging from £5,000 - £50,000.
Is Barnabas Fund accepting applications?
Barnabas Fund is currently existing partners only. Check their website for updates.
Where does Barnabas Fund fund charities?
Barnabas Fund funds charities operating in UK.
How do I apply for funding from Barnabas Fund?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Barnabas Fund, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.