William Leech Research Fund

The William Leech Research Fund, established through the philanthropy of Sir William Leech in 1960 via its parent charity, advances religion for public benefit by funding rigorous research and theological reflection on social, economic, and pastoral issues facing churches in England's North East. Rooted in Christian social ethics and practical theology, it supports projects addressing poverty, inequality, mental health, addiction, climate change, refugees, and community development, emphasizing collaborations between churches, faith-based organizations, and academics to generate wider societal impact and communicate the Christian gospel. Its distinctive approach prioritizes lived experiences in faith communities, strategic partnerships, ethical rigour, and knowledge exchange to strengthen church responses to contemporary challenges, evolving from long-term fellowships to shorter-term projects since 2010.

The fund supports postdoctoral fellowships (full- or part-time), sabbaticals for scholars or clergy, and participatory research involving faith communities, covering salaries, travel, engagement, dissemination, and related expenses. Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities or academic institutions (e.g., universities, theological colleges) partnering with North East churches; projects must be Christian-focused and directly relevant to the region, with no income thresholds but preference for medium-to-large entities or consortia.

Grants typically range from £15,000 for smaller projects or supported leave to £50,000 for one-year postdoctoral fellowships. Unsolicited email applications using the Word form are welcomed—contact director@leechresearchfund.org first for advice—requiring a budget, researcher CV, and at least one church support letter (host confirmations optional initially). Annual rounds culminate at noon on 22 May 2025, with interviews on 17 June; awards start September/October. It excludes capital or purely operational costs, uniquely blending academic depth with regional church action for sustained gospel relevance.