The Tailored Support Fund Grant Program provides grants of up to £15,000 to help not-for-profit organizations and eligible local government bodies reuse and preserve historic buildings. The fund supports projects that are difficult to finance through other funding sources, including emergency repairs, urgent capital works, temporary building uses, and enabling works that contribute to the long-term sustainability of historic buildings.

What Is the Tailored Support Fund Grant Program?

The Tailored Support Fund Grant Program provides flexible funding for projects that support the reuse and long-term preservation of historic buildings. It is designed to help organizations address funding gaps where traditional grant programmes may not provide support.

The fund is particularly suitable for projects facing unexpected costs, requiring emergency repairs, or undertaking enabling works that help progress larger heritage regeneration projects.

Grant Objectives

The programme aims to:

Support the sustainable reuse of historic buildings.
Prevent the deterioration of heritage assets.
Fund emergency repairs and urgent capital works.
Enable temporary or “meanwhile” uses of historic buildings.
Address unexpected project costs.
Strengthen community capacity to deliver heritage projects.
Support long-term conservation and community regeneration.

Funding Information

Applicants may request:

Up to £15,000 per project.

Average grant award:

Approximately £10,000.

Funding is intended for projects or project elements that are difficult to finance through other grant programmes.

What Will This Grant Support?

The Tailored Support Fund can support a wide range of activities that contribute to the reuse and preservation of historic buildings.

Emergency Repairs and Urgent Capital Works

Funding may support:

Emergency building repairs.
Urgent capital works.
Mothballing works.
Structural stabilization.
Immediate conservation measures.

Preventing Building Deterioration

Projects that:

Protect historic buildings while long-term plans are being developed.
Prevent further damage or decay.
Preserve buildings until redevelopment begins.

Meanwhile Uses

Funding may help:

Enable temporary community uses.
Test proposed long-term building uses.
Support temporary occupancy projects.
Deliver physical works required for interim use.

Unexpected Project Costs

The programme may fund:

Increased construction costs.
Unexpected project expenses.
Funding shortfalls.
Cost uplifts affecting existing projects.

Historic Community Buildings

Support is available for:

Unlisted buildings with significant historic value to local communities.
Buildings that contribute to local heritage and identity.

Community Capacity Building

Funding may also assist with:

Building organizational capacity.
Developing community-led heritage projects.
Governance and project development activities.

Other Enabling Works

The programme may support:

Essential works that cannot currently be funded through other grant schemes.
Activities that help larger regeneration or heritage reuse projects move forward.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include the following not-for-private-profit organizations and eligible local government bodies:

Unincorporated organizations.
Charities.
Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisations (SCIOs).
Charitable Companies Limited by Guarantee.
Community Benefit Societies.
Not-for-private-profit Companies Limited by Guarantee.
Community Interest Companies (CICs) Limited by Guarantee whose activities align with recognized charitable purposes.
Community Councils.

The programme also accepts applications from:

Independent secular organizations seeking to acquire ownership of a place of worship while retaining some religious use.
Organizations associated with a worshipping community that are establishing an independent secular organization to take ownership of a place of worship.

Special Eligibility for Places of Worship

For projects involving places of worship:

Funding may cover governance and legal costs while ownership or a long-term lease is being secured.
Ongoing worship activities must account for less than 50% of the building’s proposed future use.
Broader project funding may become available once ownership or a long-term lease has been confirmed.

Why This Grant Matters

Historic buildings often face urgent repair needs and funding challenges that can delay restoration or community reuse. The Tailored Support Fund helps bridge these gaps by providing flexible funding for essential works that preserve heritage assets and enable long-term regeneration.

The programme helps organizations:

Protect important historic buildings.
Prevent further deterioration.
Enable sustainable community use.
Support heritage-led regeneration.
Build community capacity.
Preserve local history and cultural identity.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm that your organization meets the eligibility requirements.
Identify the historic building and define the project need.
Explain why the proposed work cannot be funded through other sources.
Prepare a detailed project plan and budget.
Gather supporting documents, including ownership or lease information where applicable.
Provide cost estimates and explain any unexpected funding requirements.
Demonstrate how the project contributes to the long-term reuse or preservation of the building.
Submit the application before the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes when applying:

Applying for projects that are not related to historic building reuse.
Failing to explain why alternative funding is unavailable.
Submitting incomplete budgets or project plans.
Not demonstrating the heritage value of the building.
Providing insufficient evidence of community benefit.
Ignoring the eligibility requirements for places of worship.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your application:

Clearly explain why funding is urgently needed.
Demonstrate the historic importance of the building.
Show how the project supports long-term sustainable reuse.
Include realistic budgets and supporting cost estimates.
Highlight community involvement and local support.
Explain how the grant will unlock future investment or larger restoration projects.
Provide evidence of organizational capacity to deliver the project successfully.

Key Definitions

Historic Building

A building with architectural, cultural, historical, or community significance that contributes to local heritage.

Meanwhile Use

A temporary use of a building while permanent redevelopment or long-term plans are being developed, helping keep the property active and maintained.

Mothballing

Temporary protective measures taken to preserve an unused building and prevent further deterioration until restoration or redevelopment can begin.

Capital Works

Construction, repair, restoration, or improvement works that enhance the physical condition, functionality, or lifespan of a building.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Tailored Support Fund Grant Program?

The programme provides grants of up to £15,000 for projects that support the reuse, preservation, and sustainable development of historic buildings where other funding sources may not be suitable.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to £15,000, with the average grant award being approximately £10,000.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include charities, SCIOs, Community Benefit Societies, Community Interest Companies Limited by Guarantee, Community Councils, eligible not-for-private-profit organizations, and certain organizations involved in acquiring places of worship for wider community use.

What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports emergency repairs, urgent capital works, mothballing, temporary building uses, enabling works, unexpected project costs, community capacity building, and projects involving historically significant buildings.

Can unlisted historic buildings receive funding?

Yes. Projects involving unlisted buildings that are highly valued by local communities for their historic significance may be eligible.

Can organizations acquiring places of worship apply?

Yes. Eligible organizations may apply for governance and legal costs related to acquiring ownership, provided the proposed future use meets the programme requirements.

Why is this grant important?

The programme fills funding gaps for historic building projects by supporting urgent repairs, enabling works, community-led regeneration, and the long-term preservation of important heritage assets.

Conclusion

The Tailored Support Fund Grant Program provides flexible funding of up to £15,000 to help not-for-profit organizations and eligible local government bodies preserve and reuse historic buildings. By supporting emergency repairs, enabling works, temporary uses, and unexpected project costs, the programme helps safeguard heritage assets while paving the way for long-term community benefit and sustainable redevelopment. Organizations with projects that demonstrate strong heritage value, community impact, and a clear plan for the future are encouraged to apply.