Cornwall Historic Churches Trust funds the preservation and repair of historic churches and related religious buildings in Cornwall and the Duchy of Cornwall, with a strong emphasis on keeping the building fabric sound and usable. Their grants are highly practical and maintenance-oriented, often supporting urgent repairs to roofs, walls, windows, timbers, heating, lighting, fire safety, and other elements that protect historic structures from deterioration. They appear to favor small to mid-sized capital projects at local churches, including both Anglican and Methodist buildings, rather than general programmatic support.
Focus Areas
Historic Church Fabric PreservationRoof and Tower RepairsWater Ingress and Structural Masonry RepairsLighting, Heating, and Electrical Safety UpgradesEmergency Maintenance for Rural ChurchesChurchyard Monuments and Fixtures Restoration
Giving Approach
Small, fast-moving grants for discrete repair projects, typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, with a fast-track option for urgent works. Smaller projects are processed promptly on receipt, while larger restoration and repair applications are reviewed on a quarterly schedule with fixed deadlines (1 Dec, 1 Mar, 1 May, 1 Sept).
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How to approach this funder
Frame requests as clearly defined repair or conservation projects tied to a maintenance or quinquennial inspection report, and show urgency, heritage value, and readiness to proceed. For larger restoration grants, plan around the quarterly deadlines; for small urgent repairs, use the fast-track route and apply as soon as the problem is identified.
Notable grantees:
• Maker Church (Maker with Rame)
• St Hydroc, Lanhydrock
• St Stephen’s, Launceston
• Falmouth Methodist Church
• Church of Our Lady of the Portal and St Piran, Truro
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from Cornwall Historic Churches Trust that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowCloses in 6 days (Sep 1, 2026)Award: $300 – $14K
Restoration and Repair Grants
restorationrepairfabric repairs+10 more
Who can apply: Open churches and chapels of any denomination that are part of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland; must be used as places of worship. Closed churches or chapels are not eligible. Church Friends may receive a higher maximum grant.
Deadline: Applications should be submitted by 1 December, 1 March, 1 May, and 1 September each year for consideration at the next quarterly grants meeting.
Open nowCloses in 6 days (Sep 1, 2026)Award: $250 – $5K
Restoration & Repair Grants
building fabric repairroof repairsrainwater goods+8 more
Who can apply: Open churches, chapels or meeting houses of any denomination which are used for public worship (not closed churches/chapels). Church Friend membership increases maximum award (see notes). Grants limited to a maximum of 3 per church in a five-year period.
Deadline: Applications should be submitted to the Grants Secretary by 1 December, 1 March, 1 May and 1 September each year for consideration at the next trustees' grants meeting.
small structural repairsemergency repairsmaintenance+6 more
Who can apply: Available to CHCT Church Friends. Work must be identified by a QI report or report by a regular maintenance contractor/builder, two quotes must be obtained, project cost must be between £1,000 and £10,000 before VAT, and the work must not require faculty or similar permission. Closed churches or chapels are not eligible.
Deadline: No fixed deadline; decisions are normally made within a few days of receipt.
Who can apply: Churches and chapels of any denomination may apply; described as a limited number of grants available. No further criteria provided in the source content.
Deadline: Available on a limited basis; no deadline stated.
maintenanceemergency repairsslate replacement+5 more
Who can apply: Work must be identified by QI, surveyor's report or gutter management contractor report; two quotes are required; work must cost between £1,000 and £10,000; applicants must consult the DAC or equivalent body and provide evidence before grant payment.
Deadline: No fixed deadline; fast-track applications may be submitted as needed.
small structural repairsemergency repairsmaintenance+4 more
Who can apply: Available to CHCT Church Friends only; work must be identified by a QI report or contractor/builder report; two quotes are required; work must cost between £1,000 and £10,000 before VAT; permission/faculty requirements must be checked with the DAC or equivalent body.
Deadline: No fixed deadlines; applications are processed promptly on receipt and are not required to wait for scheduled trustees' meetings.
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.