The Congregational and General Charitable Trust has increased its maximum grant level this year and now provides capital grants up to £25,000 (previously the maximum grant was £10,000) for community initiatives that support the United Reformed Church and other churches in the Protestant tradition, as well as church-based community projects. The Trust also has an objective to contribute to the funds of any charitable institutions, associations, funds or objects to carry out any charitable purpose. Its principal activity, however, continues to be that of helping sustain places of worship and Christian projects by the making of grants.

The Trust will provide grant support for building or property projects and church community projects seeking a contribution towards capital costs. Awards are made on a one-off basis and are between £1,000 and £25,000. The Trust normally award grants totalling £100,000 every 3 months.

Grants agreed go towards supporting the upkeep of the church properties, many of which can be either Grade 1 or 2 listed properties and are expensive to maintain. Assistance with damaged roofs, dry rot and water ingress are regular requests that have been supported. Other areas of support include assistance with disability access, disability toilets, window repairs and lighting and heating issues.

Many of the churches have connected buildings which accommodate various community groups and small charitable organisations. These can include dementia groups, youth clubs, food banks and breakfast clubs. The Trust believes it is also important that these properties are maintained to ensure that such groups can continue to support their local communities.

The Trust encourages churches to take professional advice (for example, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Site Management) in preparing for and undertaking building projects.  These costs can be included in the total project costs when applying for a grant.

Funding is not available for:

o Running costs of the church.
o Organ and Church bells restoration.
o Conservation/restoration of works of art.
o Manse works, or
o Graveyard maintenance.

Further information, guidance and an application form, which can be downloaded, is available on the Trust’s website. The Trust meets every 3 months to review applications.

The next application deadline is Thursday 17th August 2023 for the Trust’s meeting on Thursday 7th September.