National Churches Trust focuses on keeping church buildings across the UK well maintained, open, and actively used by their communities. It funds Christian places of worship of many denominations, with a strong emphasis on practical building work: urgent repairs, restoration, fabric conservation, and upgrades that make churches more usable. A distinctive feature of its giving is that it supports both everyday maintenance needs and larger capital projects, including awards made on behalf of the Wolfson Foundation for especially significant historic buildings.
Offers competitive project grants rather than unrestricted support, with medium grants averaging about £5,000 for projects up to £80,000 and larger grants for significant capital works. Funding is generally for England, Wales, and Scotland, with at least one listed application deadline for Medium Grants and program-specific eligibility tied to building condition, repair urgency, and heritage significance.
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Check the specific program first: Medium Grants are for urgent repair and maintenance needs, while Large Grants are for bigger capital projects and Wolfson Fabric Repair Grants are reserved for churches with outstanding historic/architectural significance. Applicants should confirm geographic eligibility (England, Wales, Scotland), project cost limits, and deadline dates on the trust’s website before applying.
Current and upcoming funding from National Churches Trust that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: For any Christian place of worship – churches, chapels, meeting houses and cathedrals – listed or unlisted, which are still open for regular public worship. Large Grant applicants must have permissions in place and 50% of project funding secured at the point of application.
Deadline: Next deadline: Tuesday 7 July
Who can apply: For Grade I and II* listed churches, chapels and meeting houses in Wales. Projects must be urgent and essential maintenance and repair.
Deadline: Next deadline: Tuesday 18 August
Who can apply: For any Christian place of worship – churches, chapels, meeting houses and cathedrals – listed or unlisted, which are still open for regular public worship. Projects must fit the scheme guidance and eligibility criteria; applicants are expected to have 50% of funding in place at application and to have required permissions in place where applicable.
Deadline: Next deadline: Tuesday 18 August
Who can apply: For Grade I and II* churches (or A or B+ in Northern Ireland, and Grade A or B in Scotland) for fabric repairs. Applications are made via the Medium or Large Grants programmes and additional eligibility criteria apply.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.