Deadline: 14-Apr-2026
The National Churches Trust Medium Grants programme offers up to £10,000 to support Christian places of worship in the UK with urgent maintenance, essential repairs, and early-stage project development. The grant covers up to 50% of net project costs, with priority given to churches that show urgent need, public benefit, heritage value, and strong long-term sustainability.
What Are the National Churches Trust Medium Grants?
The National Churches Trust Medium Grants help churches across the United Kingdom protect and sustain their buildings.
Funding supports:
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Urgent maintenance
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Essential repairs
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Investigative work
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Project development up to RIBA Stage 1
This programme is designed to help churches address immediate building needs and prepare for larger future repair or conservation projects.
Grant Amount and What It Covers
How Much Funding Is Available?
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Up to £10,000 per project
Eligible Project Size
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For projects with total works costs up to £80,000
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Costs can include:
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VAT
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Professional fees
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Funding Rate
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The grant covers no more than 50% of the net project cost
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Applicants must secure the remaining funding from other sources before applying
What Projects Are Supported?
The programme supports two main types of work:
1. Urgent Maintenance and Essential Repairs
This includes works needed to prevent further deterioration, such as:
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Roof and masonry repairs
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Structural or fabric repairs
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Weatherproofing and drainage works
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Other urgent building conservation needs
Strong applications usually include a recent:
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Quinquennial Inspection Report (QIR)
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Building survey
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Condition report
2. Early-Stage Project Development
Funding can also support:
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Feasibility studies
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Investigative surveys
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Professional advice
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Initial planning and development work
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Preparation up to RIBA Stage 1
This helps churches prepare larger projects and become ready to approach major grant funders.
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to:
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Listed and unlisted Christian places of worship
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Any Christian denomination
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Churches located in the United Kingdom
Eligible buildings must:
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Be originally built as a place of worship
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Be more than 30 years old
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Be open to the public for at least 100 days per year
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Hold at least six public services annually
Applicants must also:
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Own the building or have the legal right to carry out the work
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Ensure the project has not started before applying
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Provide at least two quotes for each element of work
For independent churches
If the church is not part of a major denomination, its denomination must:
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Be registered with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), or
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Hold charitable status
Priority Criteria
The National Churches Trust gives priority to projects involving:
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Architecturally or historically significant buildings
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Urgent or essential repairs
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Projects supported by a recent QIR, survey, or condition report
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Churches with a clear maintenance plan
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Places of worship with regular public opening hours
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Strong community engagement
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Clear plans for economic viability and long-term sustainability
Why This Grant Matters
This funding is important because many churches face rising repair costs and struggle to fund urgent building work.
It helps churches:
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Protect important heritage buildings
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Tackle repairs before costs increase
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Build stronger cases for larger future grants
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Show both community value and long-term sustainability
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm that your church and building meet all core criteria, including age, public access, worship use, and legal rights.
Step 2: Define the Project
Decide whether you are applying for:
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Urgent repair/maintenance, or
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Project development up to RIBA Stage 1
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare:
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Recent QIR, survey, or condition report
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Project description
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Budget and cost breakdown
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Evidence of public opening and community use
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Maintenance plan
Step 4: Secure Match Funding
Since the grant covers only up to 50%, make sure the rest of the funding is already identified.
Step 5: Obtain Quotes
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Provide at least two quotes for each element of work
Step 6: Use the Right Professional
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Repair projects must be led by a qualified professional
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If the building is listed, the professional must have conservation accreditation
Step 7: Apply Before Work Starts
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The project must not begin before submission
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these issues when applying:
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Starting the project before applying
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Applying without match funding in place
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Submitting weak or outdated condition evidence
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Failing to include two quotes per work item
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Not proving public access or community benefit
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Using a non-accredited professional for a listed building
FAQs
1. How much funding can a church receive?
Churches can apply for up to £10,000.
2. Does the grant cover the full project cost?
No. It covers up to 50% of the net project cost, so match funding is required.
3. Can unlisted churches apply?
Yes. Both listed and unlisted Christian places of worship are eligible.
4. Can the grant fund surveys or planning work?
Yes. It can support investigative work and project development up to RIBA Stage 1.
5. Can a project start before applying?
No. The project must not have started before the application is submitted.
6. Are quotes required?
Yes. Applicants must provide at least two quotes for each element of work.
7. What professional rules apply to listed churches?
For listed buildings, the lead professional must have recognized conservation accreditation.
Conclusion
The National Churches Trust Medium Grants programme is a valuable funding opportunity for UK churches needing urgent repairs, maintenance, or early-stage project planning.
With grants of up to £10,000, the scheme can help churches protect historic buildings, improve long-term sustainability, and prepare for larger future funding—provided they have strong evidence, match funding, and a clear project plan.
For more information, visit National Churches Trust.
