Developed by the National Giving Team, Cornerstone is an online generosity tool available free to all Church of England churches.
On this page
The Cornerstone online platform
Cornerstone offers three distinct functions through the online platform: 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.
Cornerstone explained
Find out more about Cornerstone by watching the explainer video below:
Cornerstone workshops
In April 2025 we successfully ran pilot Cornerstone workshops with several churches from across the diocese:
“I left enlightened and enthusiastic as to the use Cornerstone will have in our church.”
“… a useful tool for PCCs - treasurers in particular - to guide ways in which to encourage and increase regular giving, and in providing ideas for fundraising.”
“… Cornerstone will provide a real step change in how we review our finances and then encourage giving & generosity.”
The Cornerstone workshop is run over 2.5 hours and we encourage a small group of 2-4 people from each church (ideally a mix of clergy and PCC members) to attend. During the workshop, we'll show you how to get the best use of Cornerstone, look at your strengths and areas for improvement through the participation of a Generosity Review, and help you to identify the types of givers in your church. You'll leave with new financial insights, an action plan to make some positive changes through the use of step-by-step pathways and access to your own unique dashboard.
Download the Cornerstone workshop project pack
Cornerstone Workshop dates
To reserve a space for your church, register below on your preferred date.
Only book one space per church, not per person. A group of 2-4 people may attend from each church.
Christ Church, Colchester
- Pre-workshop briefing webinar (30 mins): 13 January 2026, 12pm
- Workshop (2.5 hrs): 4 February 2026, 2pm
Diocese of Chelmsford Offices, Chelmsford
- Pre-workshop briefing webinar (30 mins): 10 February 2026, 12pm
- Workshop (2.5 hrs): 11 March 2026, 1:30pm or 6:15pm
Future workshops are being planned for alternative locations across the diocese. If your church would like to attend a future workshop, please register your interest below and we'll inform you as new dates are announced:
Cornerstone Workshop: register your interest
Grants database
Access to the grants database is automatically available to all churches who attend a Cornerstone workshop. It has over 600 grants opportunities - all are regularly updated and suitable for churches. You can filter and shortlist the grants suitable for your church and use Cornerstone to keep track of your application progress.
If you'd like to use the grants database please complete the form below and our Parish Giving Advisors will provide you with access.
Request access to Cornerstone Grants Database
We aim to respond to requests within 2 working days, but this can take longer while verifying your affiliation with your parish.
