The War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve war memorials in the UK. The charity provides free advice to anyone as well as running grant schemes to support repair and conservation projects. 

War Memorials Trust grants support repair and conservation works undertaken following best conservation practice. Almost all war memorials are eligible for support and custodians/owners can find information about eligibility and processes in this section of the Trust’s website.

The following grants are available:

o Up to £5,000 for non-freestanding war memorials, and
o Up to £20,000 for freestanding, non-beneficiary war memorials.

Grants can be used for such things as (please note that this is not an exclusive list):

o Conservation.
o Like-for-like repair.
o Professional condition surveys and structural reports.
o Reinstatement of lost elements that form an integral part of the design, and
o Structural repair/stabilisation.

Grants are

1. Available to support the repair and conservation of war memorials in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
2. Normally awarded at 50% of eligible costs depending on the priority level of each project. The worse the condition the greater contribution the Trust might make. High priority cases are those where the Trust agrees with a Very bad condition assessment on War Memorials Online, Medium Priority reflects poor condition, while Low Priority would be memorials in fair condition whilst those in good condition are unlikely to be eligible. Any specific concerns or threats are also considered
3. Likely to be considered up to a maximum grant of £5,000 for non-freestanding war memorials while freestanding, non-beneficiary war memorials may be considered up to a maximum grant of £20,000. The minimum award is normally £125 but there is some discretion on minimum and maximum grant levels. Decisions will depend on the amount of funding available and the grant scheme for which your project is eligible. Grant assessment is a competitive process with the condition of the war memorial itself the primary consideration so you should never assume you will obtain all the funding you request. Of the 36 grants awarded in 2020-21 the median offer was £1,840 while the average was £3,760.
4. Open to anyone to apply: individuals or organisations, including councils. Applicants who are not responsible for the war memorial  must provide written proof that they have the custodian’s consent to carry out the proposed works, and
5. Not obtained quickly. Applicants should be aware the process does take time. The Trust will only fund works in-line with best conservation practice to minimise any damage to the war memorial - inappropriate works are often proposed and these will not be supported. In addition, as public money provides some of the grant money appropriate procurement processes are required which means two or three quotes/tenders will be required depending on the size of the project. 

Further information, guidance and application details are available on the War Memorial Trust’s website.

There are two remaining application deadlines for 2023, on

1. Friday 30th June, and
2. Tuesday 31st October.

However, a pre-application form can be submitted at any time.