Whether repairing a leaky roof, conserving a medieval wall painting, or introducing new facilities to support your mission and growth, funding church building projects can be challenging. However, support is available through grants from different organistions.
These funders can help you to generate income that cannot be raised locally. They can also act as a catalyst in engaging the congregation and local community with your building and churchyard. Bear in mind that funders have wide-ranging purposes and outcomes they wish to support, with different application methods, deadlines, partnership funding requirements and criteria to be met. All projects benefit from a bit of planning ahead.
Jon Breckon, Churches Support Officer, is available for advice on the most likely funders for your project, planning a grants appeal, and application support. Email jon.breckon@peterborough-diocese.org.uk or call 07484 445210.
Grant sources
Cornerstone is a free online generosity & giving tool developed by the National Giving Team. It offers three distinct functions: Insights, Pathways, and a comprehensive Grants database. Further information is available here. Contact our Generous Giving Team for access.
Other searchable databases, lists or advice:
Ecclesiastical Fundraising Hub - advice and guidance
Parish Resources Hub - fundraising guides, project advice and guidance
Main funders
Places of Worship Renewal Fund
Launched in 2026, this new government grant for listed places of worship is for urgent fabric repairs and essential improvements to help them stay active as community spaces. Grants are available in three streams based on the project value - Small (£10,000 to £50,000), Medium (£50,001 to £350,000) and Large (£350,001 to £1 million).
The Parish Accessibility Fund, offered through the wider national Church of England Disability Project, aims to help prishes to enhance accessibility and inclusion for those who are deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent. Eligible projects might include accessible toilets, ramps and step-free access, handrails, audio-visual improvements, large print or accessible worship resources, improved signage, or events to raise awareness of disability. The Fund is adminstered by the National Disability Project team, but parishes should discuss projects with the DAC Office first where permissions are not already in place.
The Fund is split into two streams - Large Grants (up to £50,000) and Small Grants (works costing between £1,000 to £10,000, with grant up to £5,000). It is open until December 2028 or until otehrwise depleted. Applications must be received 10 days before the following meeting dates:
Large Grants: 1 July, 6 August, 26 October 2026
Small Grants: 9 July, 13 August, 17 September, 29 October, 10 December 2026
You may wish to discuss your project funding eligibility with Jon Breckon, Diocesan Officer in Charge (OiC). Completed application forms and supporting documents should be sent via email to disabilityproject@churchofengland.org, copying in Jon.
More information:
Neurodiversity and the church - Church Support Hub
National Churches Trust - grants for repairs and building improvements or facilities. They work in partnership with other funders to distribute money. You can also apply for a grant towards some cyclical maintenance work via the MaintenanceBooker scheme.
Benefact Trust - grants for building repairs (including help for roof alarm installation to prevent metal theft) and community impact projects. Part of the Benefact Group which includes Ecclesiastical Insurance.
Garfield Weston Foundation - supports a wide range of charities across the UK and distributes around £100 million a year. Capital projects or a specific activity in a church are eligible.
Congregational & General Trust - grants from £1,000 to £25,000 for the repair of church buildings and the capital cost of community projects.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund - the largest funder of heritage projects in the UK. All applications must meet their four Investment Principles (saving heritage; protecting the environment; inclusion, access and participation; organisational sustainability) but bids can focus on one or two of them. All church buildings, listed and unlisted, may apply.
The National Lottery Community Fund - strictly for projects benefiting the wider community but this includes capital works to church buildings.
County Church Trusts - generally for church fabric and new facilities, and each funder may consider other works. The Diocese of Peterborough is covered by Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust, Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust, Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust and Lincolnshire Churches Trust.
Francis Coales Charitable Foundation - grants for structural repairs for ecclesiastical buildings built before 1875, as well as the conservation of monuments and monumental brasses. Conservators must be ICON (Institude of Conservation) accredited.
Bernard Sunley Foundation - funding for capital projects benefiting the wider community.
Grantscape - includes grants distributed through the Landfill Communities Fund. Community, environement and heritage projects may be supported.
Diocesan Grants and Net Zero
Church of England Net Zero Carbon Programme grants - support for small-scale and larger projects aimed at reducing your carbon footprint and generate income.
Buildings for Mission 'Minor Repairs & Improvements (MR&I) scheme
(information to follow)
Net Zero Carbon 'Quick Wins' scheme
(information to follow)
Specialist funders
ChurchCare - conservation grants a range of works including historic church interiors, churchyard structures and conservation reports. Grant is made available in partnership with other grant funders.
ON Organ Fund - grants for the repair, restoration and maintenance of pipe organs.
William & Jane Morris Fund - for the conservation of decorative features and monuments.
The Cleary Fund - administered by The Georgian Group, small grants are available for the repair of Georgian fabric.
The Central Council of Church Bellringers - restoration grants through two separate funds, with useful bell ringing resources.
Grants and Projects – Hints and Tips
1) Are you ready to apply? Having all relevant consents in place first, such as List B Archdeacon’s Permission or Faculty, is important and necessary for most funders. You may also need planning permission for some works.
2) Is your community supportive? Many grant funders prefer projects benefiting the wider community, not just the worshipping community. Evidence of this support helps to demonstrate need. For repairs or other conservation work, Quinquennial Inspection or other professional reports are mandatory.
3) Plan your project! Make a list of eligible grant sources, note application deadlines, timescales for decisions and spend, and record any feedback if you are unsuccessful. This need not be onerous - a simple list setting out a course of action helps to manage progress and setbacks.
4) Research the grant funder. What are their priorities? Tailor your applications to meet their objectives. Many funders want you to be successful and will provide plenty of information on their website aimed at helping you. Be clear in your narrative, adhere to word count limits, and check that you have answered the questions and prompts.
5) Share your drafts. Where possible, work with someone as you complete your applications. A second pair of eyes can help spot errors and reviewing responses together means you can assess if you have responded to the questions fully.
6) Think about cashflow. Some grants are paid at completion, while others will be given before work commences. For larger projects, your architect should complete a Cash Flow Forecast based on a programme of work set out by the contractor. Our Church Major Works Fund can help with cashflow concerns.
7) Celebrate & share. Take the time to thank all funders and supporters for their help. Sharing newsletters or other stories with them can encourage donors to stay connected with your church.