Save money
A loan with no penalties for early repayments
Accessible funding
We won’t exclude you because you rely on giving rather than commercial income
Shared vision
We've been helping Christian causes secure funding for almost 100 years
Achieve your vision
Your building project isn't the end goal - it's a catalyst to help you grow your ministry. We're a strategic partner, so we understand the faith aspect and kingdom dynamics of your project.
A more suitable lender
It can be hard to secure a high street loan when your repayments are based on generous giving. For the last 25 years, Stewardship has been supporting churches and Christian charities, removing the barriers to securing funds.
A place to call your own
For churches, owning your own space is an amazing step on your journey. You'll avoid rental costs, get a more flexible space and find room to grow. We'll help you make that a reality, with expert support and a lending solution that suits the circumstances of your church or charity.
Early bird saving
There are no penalties for lump sum or early repayments, meaning less overheads for you and more funds to invest in other areas of your ministry. Some restrictions may apply.
“A building that brings hope to the people of our borough.”
A once-derelict building is now the home of The Tab Church in London. Stewardship’s Church and Charity Loans team were pleased to offer a key loan to ensure the building project was seen through to completion and that the vision of the church could be fulfilled.
Stewardship help churches and charities achieve their vision by providing finance for building projects.
Buying somewhere new? Need a new church roof? Looking to convert or refurbish your building? Whatever the task, we'll help you kick start your project with a loan for every kind of adventure.
We are a charity lender that understands your Christian vision and values, and so have better insight into the best way to lend funds specifically for your requirements.
Our fees
Stewardship is a not-for-profit organisation and our costs are always kept as low as possible. Any surplus is reinvested into supporting charitable activities such as training, events and resources.
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Full disclosure of costs
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Competitive, tiered application and arrangement fees
Important information
Stewardship only provides secured loans to Churches and other Christian charities. It does not lend to individuals or businesses. Stewardship is regulated by the Charity Commission. Please contact us for more details if required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our loans currently range from £40,000 to £4million, however we can lend more if need be. Your loan should not exceed 65% of the value of the property to be secured. We may ask you to obtain an independent professional valuation for this purpose.
Under normal circumstances, the full sum of the agreed loan will be advanced on completion of lending. However, on request, the total loan can be advanced in any number of stages with no additional charges incurred.
The maximum loan period is 15 years.
The rate of interest is variable. Our current interest rate is typically between 7.5% and 9% p.a., the actual rate is determined by risk criteria applied as part of our financial assessment. We only offer a variable rate of interest. Find out more in 'our interest rates explained' or contact us for further information.
A prospective borrower must satisfy Stewardship that its income is sufficient to service the borrowing. Repayment is by a regular monthly repayment of capital and interest. Lump sum repayments can be made at any time, without penalty.
The loan must be secured by a first charge on any property owned by the church or charity including some residential property (for example a church manse) provided the property is (or will be) owned by the church or charity rather than the occupier.
No
Churches and charities that are in line with our statement of faith
Yes we do consider them, but they will come under a separate fee structure that will need to be discussed.
Yes we can consider if it is the right thing to do.
Loans provided by Stewardship are at a variable rate of interest known as the Standard Stewardship Lending Rate (SSLR). The rate is set by our Finance & Investment Committee and takes into account the Bank of England (BoE) base rate. See more information on Stewardship’s interest rate policy.
Our interest rates explained
Read our Interest Rate Policy on how changes to the Bank of England base rate change could affect your Stewardship loan repayments.
Our services - The numbers
£28million
We currently provide loan funding of around £28 million to 115 churches and Christian charities throughout the UK
Our services - The numbers
7 years
The average length of term our clients repay our loans is 7 years.
Our services - The numbers
Four
We lend for four different purposes; Building Redevelopment, New Building development, Building purchase, and Manse purchases.
Our services - The numbers
£261,000
The average loan size for our 110 clients is £261,000
Our services - The numbers
£3million
The largest loan we have ever leant is £3 million. The smallest loan we have ever leant is £1,000.
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Resource your mission
Grow your supporter base and inspire them to give more
Save precious time
Free up your team to do what matters most to your cause
Free to you
It's free of charge for churches and charities - all the benefits, at no cost
Specialist guidance
We fill in the gap of what you can’t do in your annual accounts
Personal service
We get to know your specific set up and requirements
Shared vision
We've been helping further Christian causes for over 100 years
Expert support
We'll work alongside you, giving you confidence you're on the right path
Partnership
We will administer your payroll so you can focus on your mission
Shared vision
We've been helping further Christian causes for over 100 years
Expert guidance
Experienced professionals to help you find the right answers
Quick response
Drop us an email or call and we'll aim to get back to you within two working days
Great value
Pay one low annual fee and get access to a team of experts
Partnership
We're here to support you and help strengthen your church plant and its vision
Direction
Use our church planting guide to develop a road map for your church, specific to your context and vision
Long term
As your journey continues and your church grows, we'll be on hand every step of the way
Financial Health Check for Churches
Take our free assessment tool to evaluate the financial health of your church.
Designed specifically for church leaders, trustees and treasurers, the Financial Health Check for Churches involves a comprehensive questionnaire to help identify areas that may need further attention and stimulate conversations that will strengthen your church.
