Deadline: 18-Aug-2026
The Medium Grants programme is accepting applications to support smaller repair and maintenance projects that help protect and preserve Christian places of worship. The programme funds urgent and essential works that maintain historic building fabric, improve long-term sustainability, and prevent more serious structural problems.
Grants of up to £10,000 are available for churches, chapels, and meeting houses across the United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies. Priority is given to architecturally and historically significant buildings with strong maintenance plans, regular public access, and active community engagement.
About the Programme
The programme supports:
- Urgent repair works
- Preventative maintenance
- Historic building preservation
- Protection of architectural heritage
- Long-term building sustainability
Funding is intended to help places of worship:
- Address repair issues early
- Reduce future restoration costs
- Maintain safe and accessible buildings
- Preserve historically significant structures
Projects should be supported by:
- Recent inspection reports
- Building surveys
- Condition assessments
Key Focus Areas
The programme supports:
- Regular maintenance works
- Urgent repairs
- Historic fabric protection
- Heritage conservation
- Risk management
- Project planning
- Community engagement
- Public access improvements
- Long-term maintenance systems
Priority is given to projects that demonstrate:
- Strong sustainability planning
- Community use and engagement
- Ongoing worship activities
Funding Details
Maximum grant amount:
- Up to £10,000
Funding supports:
- Repair works
- Essential maintenance
- Works to the main church building
- Extensions connected to the place of worship
Eligible Locations
The programme is open to Christian places of worship located in:
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Channel Islands
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Churches
- Chapels
- Christian meeting houses
Buildings must:
- Have originally been built as places of worship
- Be more than 30 years old
- Be regularly used for worship
- Be publicly accessible
Applicants must:
- Own the building
- Or have authority to carry out the work
Public Access Requirements
Buildings must:
- Hold public worship at least 6 times annually
- Be open to the public for at least 100 days each year
If not currently open:
- Public access requirements must be met within one year of project completion
Ineligible Buildings
The programme does not support:
- Converted buildings
- Church halls
- Privately-owned churches in institutions
- Buildings in schools, prisons, hospitals, or hospices
Assessment Priorities
Priority is given to:
- Historically significant buildings
- Architecturally important structures
- Projects with clear maintenance systems
- Strong community engagement
- Sustainable long-term preservation plans
Applications are also assessed on:
- Heritage impact
- Community benefit
- Economic viability
- Building protection measures
Why This Programme Matters
Historic churches and places of worship often face:
- Age-related structural deterioration
- High repair costs
- Heritage conservation challenges
The programme helps:
- Preserve important heritage buildings
- Protect community spaces
- Maintain public access to historic sites
- Support long-term sustainability of worship spaces
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum grant amount?
Applicants may request:
- Up to £10,000
What types of buildings are eligible?
Eligible buildings include:
- Churches
- Chapels
- Christian meeting houses
Buildings must be:
- More than 30 years old
- Originally constructed as places of worship
Which locations are eligible?
The programme supports projects in:
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
- Isle of Man
- Channel Islands
What works are funded?
The programme supports:
- Repair works
- Maintenance projects
- Historic building preservation
- Urgent structural repairs
Are church halls eligible?
No. Church halls and converted buildings are not eligible.
What public access is required?
Buildings must:
- Hold worship services at least 6 times yearly
- Be open to the public for at least 100 days annually
Conclusion
The Medium Grants programme provides important support for the preservation and maintenance of Christian places of worship across the United Kingdom. By funding urgent repairs and preventative maintenance, the programme helps protect historic religious buildings, strengthen community access, and ensure long-term sustainability for places of worship with architectural and cultural significance.
For more information, visit National Churches Trust.
