Funding Project Touchline

Project Touchline exists to help churches and schools work together to enable children to flourish.

Through Collective Worship, values-led PE, Prayer Clubs and authentic relationships, children experience belonging, hope, resilience and opportunities to explore the Christian faith in ways that are inclusive, meaningful and lasting.

Since 2018, the programme has partnered with more than 150 Church of England and Church in Wales schools, helping Christian values move beyond the classroom and become lived experience through everyday school life. 

Because Project Touchline sits at the intersection of education, wellbeing, community and Christian mission, it aligns strongly with the priorities of many grant-makers.

Rather than relying on a single source of funding, many schools, churches and dioceses successfully combine several funding streams to maximise impact.

Why Funders Support Programmes Like Project Touchline

Increasingly, funders are looking for projects that create measurable impact across several areas at once.

Project Touchline helps schools:

  • improve children’s mental health and wellbeing
  • strengthen belonging and positive relationships
  • develop resilience, confidence and character
  • provide opportunities to explore the Christian faith
  • strengthen partnerships between churches and schools
  • establish sustainable Prayer Clubs and reflective spaces
  • leave a lasting legacy through staff development and resources

Rather than delivering a one-off sports programme, Project Touchline helps schools develop a culture where Christian values are lived, practised and sustained long after the programme finishes.

Christian Grant-Making Trusts

Many Christian funders are actively seeking projects that combine community impact with opportunities for people to explore faith.

Project Touchline is particularly well aligned because it supports both children and the wider school community through Christian values, wellbeing and spiritual development.

Examples include:

  • Benefact Trust
  • Jerusalem Trust
  • Garfield Weston Foundation
  • CCLA Foundation
  • Church Urban Fund
  • Sir Halley Stewart Trust

Many of these organisations support projects that:

  • improve mental health and wellbeing
  • reduce isolation
  • strengthen Christian communities
  • encourage exploration of faith
  • build partnerships between churches and local communities
  • invest in children and young people

Applications are often strongest when submitted through a diocese, church or Christian charity, with Project Touchline acting as the delivery partner.

Diocesan Funding

Many dioceses hold strategic funding for:

  • Church school development
  • Mission and ministry
  • Children and young people
  • Christian distinctiveness
  • School chaplaincy
  • New worshipping communities
  • Church-school partnerships

Project Touchline has already demonstrated how diocesan investment can enable programmes to be delivered across multiple schools, creating significant long-term impact.

PE and Sport Premium

Project Touchline continues to provide an excellent use of schools’ PE and Sport funding by leaving a sustainable legacy rather than simply delivering sports coaching. Only available for 2026/27 Academic Year with up to £8000 available.

Schools benefit through:

  • improved teaching confidence
  • curriculum resources
  • values-led PE
  • increased physical activity
  • improved behaviour
  • stronger school culture

As government funding transitions towards the new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network, schools have an opportunity to invest in approaches that strengthen wellbeing, character and whole-school culture for years to come. 

Community Foundations and Local Trusts

Across the UK, Community Foundations and local charitable trusts regularly support projects that:

  • improve children’s wellbeing
  • strengthen local communities
  • reduce disadvantage
  • encourage volunteering
  • create opportunities for young people

Because Project Touchline often brings together schools, churches, volunteers and local communities, it provides an attractive model for local funders seeking lasting community impact.

Investing in More Than Sport

Project Touchline is not simply about physical education. It is about helping children experience hope, belonging and encouragement. It is about creating opportunities for them to explore faith, discover Christian values in action and grow within communities where they are known, valued and encouraged.

By investing in Project Touchline, funders are investing not only in healthier schools, but in stronger churches, stronger communities and the flourishing of the next generation. Bringing Church and School Partnership to Life. Project Touchline is designed to be a gift from churches to schools—supporting children’s wellbeing, character, and sense of belonging through sport, mentoring, and values-based engagement. To make this possible, a range of funding streams can be drawn together. Many schools and churches find that blended funding is the most effective and sustainable approach.