Grants, fundraising and money

From essential repairs to imaginative missional projects, financing works to church buildings can be a monumental challenge. The good news is that support is available, and this page will help signpost you to the right information for your project.

All church buildings require considerable investment in their fabric from time to time, especially the sort of historic church buildings in which the Diocese of Gloucester is so rich. You might also be considering missional improvements to your church building, making it more versatile or comfortable for modern worship.

Usually, works of either kind will be beyond the immediate means of the parish. You may then consider an appeal to your wider community for support or wish to apply to charitable bodies for grants. In most cases, funding for a major project will rely on the assembly of different pots of money of varying size from a range of sources. The exact make-up will depend on the needs and opportunities of your church.

 

Sources of grant funding

The best place for parishes in the Diocese of Gloucester to look for sources of funding is the Church Buildings Funding Opportunities Bulletin. This was sent to all clergy, churchwardens, and treasurers via email in February 2024. An updated version will be sent out in the Autumn with new information. If you have not received the bulletin and believe you should have, please email the Church Buildings Support Officer at ku.gr1728280197o.coi1728280197dsolg1728280197@lleh1728280197ctimo1728280197.

Additionally, the following links provide information on some of the more well-known or national grant-making bodies and useful guidance on preparing grant applications.

• ChurchCare – guidance and grants for historic church interiors and churchyard structures up to £10,000
• Ecclesiastical Church Fundraising Hub – guidance, tools and directories of grant-making bodies
• The National Churches Trust – advice, training and grants up to £50,000
• The National Lottery Heritage Fund – the largest funder of heritage in the UK
• Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust – grants of up to £10,000 for repairs and improvements to churches in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, and North Bristol
• Benefact Trust – a range of grants for the protection and enhancement of churches and their communities

There are also a wide range of specialist grant-making bodies with particular interests, including:

• On Organ Fund – for the provision and maintenance of pipe organs
• Sharpe Trust – for the maintenance and repair of church bells
• War Memorials Trust – supporting the conservation of war memorials

Diocesan grants

The following grants for church buildings are available to PCCs in the Diocese of Gloucester only:

The Cecil Adams Organ Fund exists through the generosity of the late Cecil Adams, organist at St James the Great, Dursley, and Diocesan Organs Advisor. Grants are made towards the maintenance and repair (but not alteration) of pipe organs in the Diocese of Gloucester.

The Table Tombs Fund makes small grants to support the conservation and repair of pre-1850 stone or slate table tombs and their surrounding ironwork in churchyards within the Diocese of Gloucester. Download the Guidance Notes and Application Form here:

Table tomb fund guidance notes

Table tomb fund application

The Warneford Ecclesiastical Charity assists with the preservation and repair of church buildings in the Diocese of Gloucester, with the Trustees meeting annually to consider applications for small sums. For further information and Application Forms, contact the Secretary to the Trustees, Michael Eliot at Ampney Cottage, Ampney St Mary, Cirencester GL7 5SN or moc.t1728280197enret1728280197nitb@1728280197toile1728280197leahc1728280197im1728280197.

Grants of up to £250 for churchyard wildlife gardens have been made available through staff mileage contributions with support from Ecotricity and Gaia Energy. More information on how to apply can be found here.

For other Diocesan grants please see our Finance pages.

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

Over 90% of church buildings in the Diocese of Gloucester are listed, meaning they can claim back the cost of VAT on eligible works from the DCMS through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. Full details of the scheme, which is currently funded until 31 March 2025, can be found here.

VAT on works to memorials is eligible for a separate Government grant scheme detailed here.