Funding for Churches and Religious organizations

Funding for churches

Unfortunately funding and grant giving for churches and religious organisations can be restrictive.  Many charitable trusts avoid funding or promoting religious activities, but where the good cause or project has a more wide reaching role in the community it may be funded by a general funder.

The Diocesan Building Fund.  Each Diocese probably has one, Parishes and Parochial Church Councils should approach their Diocesan Advisory Committee for further information.

You will need to research each trust before you make an application to avoid wasting time and effort.  There are many possible specialist funders who may support your local church.  Specialist books from the Directory of Social Change can be very helpful.  See the Useful Publications page for further information.

This is a sample list of organisations that support church projects, from restoration to new buildings.  It is essential that all applicants contact the funding organisation before you make an application.  Always check websites before applying or ring if possible for a quick chat about your project.

About this service

All Churches Trust

All Churches Trust is a registered charity formed to promote the Christian religion and contribute to the funds of charitable institutions.  Contact, Company Secretary, All Churches Trust Limited, Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1JZ.

Charles Hayward Foundation

Mark Schnebli,  The Administrator,  The Hayward Foundation,  Hayward House,  45 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JU.  Applications should be made in writing, please check requirements with administrator before applying.

Chase Charity

The repair of rural parish churches.  The building must be Grade 1 listed and in a village of under 500 people and must have community support.  Grants range from £1,000 to £3,000.  Aid will not be given for redundant churches.  Contact, Chase Charity, 2 The Court, High Street, Harwell, Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 0EY  Fax: (01235) 820044

Garfield Weston Foundation

Up to £20,000 towards community buildings and also churches.  Contact, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Weston Centre, Bowater House, 68 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LQ  Fax: (020) 7584 5921

Goldsmith's Company's Charities

Small grants up to £3,000.  Interested parties should contact: The Clerk, The Goldsmiths' Company, Goldsmiths' Hall, Foster Lane, London EC2 6BN  Fax: (020) 7606 1511

Hedley Foundation

Churches and Local Community Centres can apply for projects involving construction, adaptation or improvement for community use up to £5,000.  Contact, Mr P T Dunkerley MBE, Company Secretary, The Hedley Foundation, 9 Dowgate Hill, London EC4R 2SU  Fax: (020) 7489 8997

Historic Churches Preservation Trust and Incorporated Church Building Society

Grants for churches over 100 years old.  Applicants must check website for criteria before applying.  Contact, Historic Churches Preservation Trust/Incorporated Church Building Society, Fulham Palace, London SW6 6EA

Fax: (020) 7736 3880

Jill Franklin Trust

Most grants are up to £1,000 and can cover costs of restoring architecturally important Churches.  Contact, Mr N Franklin, 78 Lawn Road, NW3 2XBE or e-mail: lawnroad@blueyonder.co.uk

Department of Culture Media and Sport - Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

VAT reclaimed for churches and other religious buildings.  Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, PO Box 609, Newport NP10 8QD

Repair Grants for Places of Worship in England

Applications for listed places of worship should be made using the official form and guidelines that are available from:  English Heritage, 23 Saville Row, London W1S 2ET  Fax: (020) 7973 3001 or Heritage Lottery Fund, 7 Holbein Place, London SW1W 8NR

Church Urban Fund

For Church Buildings, the Church Urban Fund are a potential source of funding.  Applicants should contact their local Diocesan Project Co-ordinator for advice on the local procedures for applying.