Common Fund is the Diocese of Sheffield’s shared way of funding ministry and mission across the diocese. Each year, a parish’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) is asked to make a pledge towards the cost of clergy ministry and the wider work of the diocese.
Common Fund is not simply about paying for one parish on its own. It is a shared financial model that helps spread resources across the Diocese of Sheffield, so ministry can be supported in every community we serve.
Traditionally the Common Fund has provided over 50% of regular income into the Diocese and the ambition in our Renewed, Released, Rejuvenated Strategy is to grow the level of Common Fund to sustainable levels.
The Common Fund Cycle
Common Fund works as a yearly cycle. During the current year, parishes pay the amount they pledged the year before. At the same time, the diocese is also preparing for the following year by working out the next ask and inviting PCCs to decide what they are able to pledge.
This means two parts of the cycle are always happening at once: receiving Common Fund payments for the current year, and preparing Common Fund pledges for the year ahead. This helps the diocese budget appropriately, use money responsibly and support ministry across the whole diocese.
How Ask is Calculated
In Sheffield, the Common Fund ask is set through the diocesan budget process and then considered locally by PCCs. The diocese gives guidance and an uplift expectation, but parishes are asked to decide what they are able to pledge in light of their own circumstances.
Submitting Your Pledge
Use the online pledge form below to submit your parish pledge. Select your deanery and parish, complete the form, and submit it by the published deadline. If your PCC cannot formally approve a full pledge in time, you can submit a provisional pledge and confirm it later. If you need support, you can contact us for help.
We are currently in process of asking for Pledges for 2027. The deadline for this is 19 October 2026.
Making Your Payment
The easiest way for your parish to pay Common Fund is by regular bank transfer, ideally monthly. This helps the Diocese plan ahead and manage cash flow through the year.
Send bank transfers to:
Account name: Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance
Bank: Virgin Money PLC (Yorkshire Bank)
Sort code: 05 04 38
Account number: 54947905
Please use a clear payment reference that includes your church or parish name, location, and Common Fund. For example: StMaryBramallCF. This helps the Diocese match your payment to the right pledge.
If your PCC cannot pay by bank transfer, you can also by cheque made payable to Sheffield Diocesan Board of Finance and sent to Church House, 95 – 99 Effingham Street, Rotherham, S65 1BL. If you pay by cheque, include a note saying it is for Common Fund and which parish it is from.
If your usual payment pattern needs to change, let the finance team know as early as you can. The Diocese asks parishes to keep in touch so it can plan its finances responsibly.