CHURCHES of all denominations wishing to make a new application for a fabric repair grant between the value of £3,000 and £10,000 must register before May 14.
The National Churches Trust (NCT) is currently considering applications for projects with a total value of between £10,000 and £100,000 including urgent roof repairs, drainage work and wall repairs.
Applications can be made by clicking here.
Earlier this year, it was revealed that changes have been made to make it even easier for churches to apply for funding to support fabric repairs.
The Church of England, working with the Wolfson Foundation and the National Churches Trust (NCT), announced that during 2020 administration of the Wolfson Foundation funds for fabric repairs of churches will move from the Cathedral & Church Buildings Division of the Church of England to the National Churches Trust.
The move to the National Churches Trust will result in a simplified funding application process for fabric repairs.
Churches will be able to submit one application form and be considered for up to two fabric repair grants.
This will reduce form filling for churches. There will also only be one reporting and claims process for the two grants, again reducing the burden of paperwork on churches.
Through making this small administrative change to the way funding is applied for, churches can continue to benefit from the vital support the funds from the Wolfson Foundation can provide.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust said, “The National Churches Trust supports places of worship of historic, architectural and community value throughout the UK.
“Many of these are the nation’s most important historic buildings.
“Thanks to the expertise of our Church Support team and Grants committee, last year the Trust made 188 awards to churches and chapels totalling £1.3m.
“We are very pleased to have collaborated with the Church of England’s Cathedral & Church Buildings Division on making it easier for parishes to apply for grants for fabric repairs, and we look forward to working with the Wolfson Foundation so that churches can continue to play a vital role in the life and well-being of local communities for many years to come.”
The Cathedral & Church Buildings Division will continue to provide support and advice to churches on faculty applications, and will also continue to provide input into the Wolfson grants programme through representation on the National Churches Trust’s Grants Committee.
The Church of England’s conservation grants programmes administered by the Cathedral & Church Buildings Division (ChurchCare) will continue with its focus on conservation of historic interiors whilst the National Churches Trust will focus on fabric repairs, in addition to its other programmes for maintenance, project development and installation of facilities).
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation added: “Historic churches are some of the country’s most wonderful and loved buildings – inspiring joy in visitors and worshippers alike.
“We are delighted to be continuing to support churches across the UK and hope that the new arrangements will make life easier and simpler – particularly for that noble volunteer band on whom most churches rely for their fundraising.
“I also want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the team at the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division.
“They are powerful advocates for church buildings, and we have appreciated and relied upon their expertise and wisdom over many years.
“They will remain valued partners and we look forward to working with the National Churches Trust.”
