Grant Making Organisations

Joint Grant Scheme (English Heritage and Heritage Lottery Fund).

Apply in the first instance to the Secretary, Diocesan Advisory Committee at Diocesan House, Kenwyn, Truro  TR1 1JQ. Grant may be made, provided: 

• the building is of outstanding historic or architectural interest;
• it is in regular use for public worship;
• the parish cannot reasonably be expected to meet the whole cost from its own resources;
• the proposed works are major structural repairs

If a grant is made:

• This may well be the biggest single source of funds;
• Conditions will be stipulated which the PCC will have to accept before a grant is made.   In particular, the Scheme will determine what work it is prepared to grant aid and may have different priorities from the parish.  Therefore, DO NOT ask your architect to prepare a specification until you have been notified that a grant is available and for which parts of the work and certainly do not start work on the project.
• The condition that is invariably imposed is that English Heritage should be consulted over any proposal in future to alter the building in any way. If not consulted repayment of grant can be demanded. This can be very restrictive.
• Other grant making bodies will usually wish to know if an application has been made to the Scheme and the result.

Local Authorities. The Local Authorities (Historic Buildings) Act 1962 permits a local authority (whether at county, district or parish council level) to contribute by grant or loan towards the maintenance or repair of historic buildings in its area, including churches.  Greater use should be made of this power to assist in maintaining what is often one of the chief local cultural assets and tourist attractions, and, when applying, it is important that the church should be represented in that light.  The Planning Department of district councils will advise on applications in their area, and enquiries should be addressed to the Planning Officer.

For more information see the following links below on:
Private Charitable Foundations and Bells, Monuments & Brasses and the Livery Trusts.

Please contact Sue Thorold on 01872 247216 or click here to send an email addressed to Church Property matters from the drop down menu on the contact form.

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