Churches, chapels and places of worship can access a range of specialist grants to help fund repairs, restoration works and community improvements. Funding is available through charitable trusts, heritage organisations, religious bodies and community grant programmes.

Many historic churches require ongoing maintenance, and some grants can support both urgent repairs and larger restoration projects.

Funding can range from small grants of a few thousand pounds through to major awards for significant structural or heritage works.

What Support Could Be Available?

Funding may support:

  • Roof repairs
  • Structural repairs
  • Stonework restoration
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Heating systems
  • Community facilities
  • Windows and stained glass restoration
  • Electrical upgrades
  • Drainage repairs
  • Energy efficiency improvements
  • Toilets and welfare facilities
  • Kitchen and meeting spaces

Who May Qualify?

Support is commonly aimed at:

  • Churches
  • Chapels
  • Cathedrals
  • Mosques
  • Synagogues
  • Temples
  • Listed places of worship
  • Charity-owned religious buildings

Some grants also support:

  • Community use buildings
  • Heritage sites
  • Buildings providing public services

Typical Grant Levels

Small Repair Grants

Funding may provide:

  • £2,000–£10,000+

Examples:

  • Emergency repairs
  • Heating upgrades
  • Minor accessibility works
  • Roof maintenance

Major Restoration Grants

Larger programmes may provide:

  • £10,000–£250,000+

Examples:

  • Full roof replacement projects
  • Stonework restoration
  • Structural repairs
  • Heritage conservation projects

Large projects often require match funding.

Organisations That May Provide Support

Examples include:

  • National Churches Trust
  • Benefact Trust
  • National Lottery Heritage Fund
  • Historic religious grant programmes
  • Community foundations
  • Denominational funding bodies

Support availability changes regularly.

Step By Step – How To Apply

Step 1 – Obtain Building Surveys

Gather:

  • Roof reports
  • Structural surveys
  • Condition reports
  • Contractor quotations

Step 2 – Prepare Project Details

Applications often require:

  • Description of works
  • Community benefit information
  • Project costs
  • Building history
  • Charity details

Step 3 – Identify Suitable Grants

Funding may vary depending on:

  • Building age
  • Heritage status
  • Listed status
  • Community use
  • Religious denomination

Step 4 – Submit Applications

Applications may require:

  • Quotes
  • Photographs
  • Charity documentation
  • Financial information

Advice & Financial Support

National Churches Trust

Phone: 020 7222 0605

Can help with:

  • Church repair grants
  • Roof projects
  • Community building improvements

Benefact Trust

Phone: 01242 528764

Can help with:

  • Repair funding
  • Heritage support
  • Community project grants

National Lottery Heritage Fund

Phone: 020 7591 6000

Can help with:

  • Heritage restoration
  • Historic building support
  • Community heritage projects

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss church repair grants and heritage funding routes that may apply to your project.

Available support and eligibility requirements can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.