Parishes across the Diocese of Bristol are being encouraged to join Acts 435, a national Christian charity that enables churches to post small, practical needs online so that donors can give directly to individuals experiencing hardship.
With many churches already involved in food provision, warm spaces, community cafés and other forms of social action, diocesan staff say Acts 435 offers a simple and cost-free way to meet urgent needs that fall outside the scope of existing programmes. The charity operates using a crowdfunding model, allowing churches to upload requests of up to £200 on behalf of individuals or families they are supporting. Donors from across the UK then choose which requests to fulfil, and 100% of each donation reaches the person in need.
Katie Greene, Communications & Partnerships Director for Acts 435 said:
“Churches are often the first to see real human need at a point of crisis. Our role is to make sure they are not left facing that need alone. Acts 435 exists to connect people who want to help directly with people who urgently require support, and to do so in a way that is fast, dignified and completely free for the local church.”
Unlike many fundraising platforms, Acts 435 covers all administrative and credit card transaction fees separately, meaning the full donation is passed on. Gift Aid, where a donor chooses to apply it, goes solely towards the charity’s minimal operating costs. Acts 435 also offers clear guidance to partner churches on appropriate limits for common requests such as school uniforms, essential furniture, electric top-ups, bedding, or transport costs.
Naomi Jervis, Partnerships and Campaigns Officer for the Diocese of Bristol, said:
“Our recent Social Action Audit highlighted just how much good work parishes are doing across our diocese, and how frequently churches encounter people who need support. Acts 435 gives parishes a simple, effective way to meet their needs without placing extra strain on limited funds. It enables us to respond with compassion in the moment and strengthens the relational support churches are already offering.”
Parishes report that needs such as a second-hand fridge, a winter coat, a bus pass for a job interview or basic household items for someone moving to safety often make a significant difference to people’s wellbeing and stability. By using Acts 435, these requests are frequently funded within days, enabling churches to continue supporting individuals in a timely and personal way.
As the cost of living continues to affect households across the region, churches are seeing more people who fall just outside statutory support or who need one-off help that local hardship funds cannot sustain. Acts 435 allows parishes to respond confidently even when financial resources are limited, while also opening the door for people across the UK to participate in generosity that directly impacts people in Bristol, Swindon, South Glos, North Wilts and the surrounding communities.
Interested in becoming a partner Church?
Find out more about the benefits of becoming a partner Visit the Acts 435 website