Last updated 11th January 2023
Grants for churches are available from many organisations and the list on this page contains details for some of the more well known ones. The links will give you details of eligibility and the application process. Before making any applications ensure that you check the deadlines for applications and read the relevant guidelines as well as advice on the relevant pages.
Resources for Funding Help and Advice
Two grants towards cost of utilities for churches wanting to be warm hubs
ASDA Foundation Cost of Living Grant: This grant is targeted at community groups that are going to open longer to support individuals in their local area and provide a warm place to be. To apply, contact your local ASDA store to speak to their Community Champion. They will support you in completing your application and will submit the application to the Foundation on your behalf. Grants of between £500 and £2000 are available and the grant submission window will close in February. More information here.
Lancashire County Council: This small grant programme has been set up for local organisations and groups within the voluntary, community, and faith sector, as well as for parish and town councils, to support the creation and improvement of warm and welcoming spaces for residents amidst the rising cost of living, focusing on those most in need. More information here.
Grants and fundraising advice to help churches achieve Net Zero
See below for various grants and fundraising advice to help churches reach Net Zero
NLHF Grants for Heritage
Applications are now open for National Lottery Grants for Heritage from £3,000 to £5 million. The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic means it has revised our approach to what it will fund.
This is set out in Priorities for National Lottery Grants for Heritage for 2022-23.
The NLHF will prioritise heritage projects that willl meet outcomes set up as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic which are:
Grants for Roof Alarms
The Benefact Trust – Owners of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group offer grants towards the installation of a roof alarm system to protect, prevent and minimise the theft of lead on church roofs.
Churches can apply for 50% of the cost of an alarm, up to £2,500. To apply please visit the website of the Benefact Trust here.
Parish Vision Fund
Parishes can apply to the Diocese of Blackburn's Parish Vision Fund for grants to help parishes with work related to Vision 2026. You can find more information including criteria for applications and the application form here
The Church Buildings Council
The Church Buildings Council offers grants for several types of works to churches. These include:
The Benefact Trust (formally All Churches Trust)
The Benefact Trust makes grants to churches of between £1000 and £15,000 for projects with a total cost of up to £1 million. Most grants fall into this category but larger grants are available for projects costing over £1 million. They take into account the amount raised towards a project, along with the project’s objectives and scope and the extent of deprivation in the community concerned.
The National Churches Trust
National Churches Trust Grant programme supports a wide variety of projects to help churches, people and local communities from repairing a roof to helping to install an accessible toilet. There are 3 grant programmes but to be eligible for any of them you must have the necessary permission and 50% of the required funding in place (which can include any VAT you are eligible to reclaim through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme).
Please contact grants@nationalchurchstrust.org or call 020 7227 1933 to speak to the grants team if you have any questions regarding grant programmes.
Garfield Weston Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation provides funds towards simple but practical projects that enable religious buildings to be used for an inclusive range of charitable purposes by their local communities. Capital grants include funds towards the instillation of basic amenities such as lavatories and kitchen facilities and for restoration works to historic church buildings.