In 2024, £114,750 of money from the Church Commissioners’ £11 million Buildings for Mission Funding was allocated to 37 different church projects across the Diocese of Gloucester for minor repairs and building improvements. This money has now been allocated, but the value of the project was such that diocesan leaders were keen to ensure it could continue.
In 2025 the Diocese of Gloucester created the Diocese Minor Repairs & Improvement Fund scheme, which was largely the same as that of the 2024 MR&IF, with one major change. Previously, only work up to £10,000 was eligible. Based on feedback from applicants, to reflect the rising prices of building materials and services, it was decided to allow churches to apply for grants for work worth up to a total of £20,000.
Care of Churches and DAC Team Leader, Adam Klups said: “The pastoral impact of the Minor Repairs and Improvements Fund grants offered to our churches over the past year thanks to the Buildings for Mission funding has been as important as their monetary value. This grant programme enabled us to closely engage with 37 of our churches and help them deliver small, yet often urgent and impactful projects, which would otherwise be difficult to realise.”
Rory Wilson, Church Buildings Support Officer, who has been closely involved with the work, and administers both the MR&IF and DMR&IF grant initiatives, said: “Although the majority of grant funded work concentrated on repairs recommended by quinquennial inspectors, the Fund enabled a number of very worthwhile improvements.”
A wide range of works are eligible for support, including below-ground drainage, and stand-alone professional fees. PCCs are encouraged to consult the guidance for applicants below for full details.
For 2026-2028 the Church Commissioners have renewed the Minor Repairs & Improvements Fund (MR&IF) scheme. This is now open to applications with two submission deadlines so far confirmed, being 30th October 2026 and 26th February 2027.
The Grant Panel will in each case meet one week later to consider applications and agree offers of support.
2026 Guidance for Applicants MRIF
2026 Application Form Minor Repairs Improvements Fund
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