Faithshare resources
The Faithshare Visitor Programme enables Scottish and overseas congregations and presbyteries to pursue a potential twinning, or strengthen and develop an existing twinning. It provides travel grants to enable visits between members of twinned congregations, presbyteries and other groups, to each other's countries.
To help you gain a better understanding of Faithshare, here are some FAQ's and resources that you might find useful when organising and preparing for your visit.
How much money can I get?
Each grant awarded will pay for flights, visas and travel insurance for one visit. Twinned congregations can apply for up to 2 grants, and twinned presbyteries can apply for up to 4.
How many times can I apply?
You can apply as many times as you like. We do not guarantee that you will be awarded the grants you apply for. You need to show in your application that there is a purpose for your trip, and that you have planned for how it will develop your twinning. We would encourage you to alternate the twinning visits: one to Scotland, one to your twinned church etc.
How do I apply?
Get in touch with the Faith Impact Forum and ask for an application form. This will come with guidance that tells you how to complete the form and when to apply by. Once the committee has met, you will be informed whether your application was successful or not.
What happens after we've been awarded the grant?
If you are going to arrange the visit yourselves, then you can invoice World Mission for the costs of the flights, visas and travel insurance. If you would like to arrange the visit through World Mission and our travel agents, then we will work through this with you and eligible costs will be paid directly by us.
What do you want from me in return for the grant?
We ask that you write us a visit report – telling us about the twinning visit and about how you are using the visit to develop and strengthen your twinning. We also love to get copies of your photos to use in resources and presentations to show others what twinning can look like! Here is some guidance for great photos.
Do you arrange the visit programme if my application is successful?
No, the host congregation or Presbytery is responsible for the preparation for travelers, planning of the visit, including the programme, hospitality and incidental costs. These should be organised together with your twin. Here are some Travel Tips to consider when preparing for your visit