THERE are often personal reasons why readers give to the
Church Times Train-A-Priest (TAP) Fund. Among the
donations we received this week was one marked: "In gratitude to
those who funded my ordination training", and another: "To my
brother for his birthday and Christmas gift".
Whatever the reason for your gift, you can be sure that every
penny will find its way into an ordinand's pocket or purse. Nothing
is deducted for administrating the fund. So, if you haven't
already, will you help to train a priest?
If you are a UK taxpayer, a Gift Aid declaration increases the
value of your donation significantly. There is a Gift Aid form here (PDF). TAP grants are made to
ordinands, married or single, in full-time training for the
priesthood in the C of E.
In addition, ten per cent of every donation goes into the
Special Hardship Fund. Anyone in training for the priesthood in the
C of E - in a college, in a course, or an OLM scheme - can apply
for a TAP Special Hardship grant if he or she experiences
unforeseen financial difficulties.
You can give by cheque, postal order, cash, and charity cheque.
But many of our readers find that the simplest way to give is by
means of our secure online giving page: www.hymnsam.co.uk/train-a-priest.aspx.
Please send other donations to: TAP Fund, Church Times,
13a Hellesdon Park Road, Norwich NR6 5DR. For an acknowledgement,
please enclose a SAE.