With so many trusts, foundations, corporate schemes and government grants available, it is not always clear where to start, or which ones to prioritise. The choice can be baffling, and your time and resources are limited.

To support the fundraising process, we strongly recommend that you start by creating a good project plan, setting out what you want to do, who the beneficiaries will be, identifying any partners, outlining when it will happen and how much it will cost. You will then need to create a case for support articulating the need, the context, the activity, the budget, and ensure you and your team are all on the same page. For more information on Fundraising Planning, see our ‘Grant funding practical guide’ (ADD LINK

Capital funding — anything related to building repairs, conservation, or improvements — mainly comes from national heritage funders and specialist church or heritage charities.

Most major capital projects are delivered in phases over several years, and usually require a combination of several grants rather than one single funder. There are only a handful of core capital funders in the UK, so these should be your first point of reference.

 

National Lottery Heritage Fund, <£250k

  • To fund projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK
  • Projects must adhere to each of the 4 investment principles: saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation, organisational sustainability
  • Grant of between £10,000 and £250,000
  • More info HERE

 

National Lottery Heritage Fund, £250k – £10m

  • To fund projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK
  • Projects must adhere to each of the 4 investment principles: saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation, organisational sustainability
  • Grant of between £250k and £10m
  • More info HERE

 

Bramall Foundation

  • Supports the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the beliefs of the Church of England and the preservation of buildings of historic or architectural importance.
  • Eligibility: Any Anglican church
  • Funding: Grants to churches recently ranged from £3,000 to £10,000
  • More info HERE

 

Benefact Building Improvement Grants

  • Essential support to protect and enhance churches and Christian charity buildings, ensuring their continued use and the safeguarding of their heritage.
  • The programme supports the following types of work: essential repairs, accessibility, conservation of historic features, aesthetic enhancements
  • Funding available: Total project costs over £25,000 are calculated on a percentage basis, with an average of about 5%. Projects over £1.5m result in grants of 1.5%, up to a maximum of about £200,000 (those at the upper end do tend to be exceptional)

 

Garfield Weston Foundation

  • Grants to churches for capital projects
  • Typically support schemes such as building works, repairs, accessibility (ramps, disabled loos), new facilities (kitchens, halls) to help buildings serve the community.
  • Regular grants up to £100k

 

Heritage of London Trust

  • Grants available for the restoration of historic buildings and monuments which are available for public access and enjoyment
  • Buildings or monuments do not need to be listed but must be considered of particular historic or architectural interest
  • Funding available: Up to £15,000
  • More information HERE

 

Historic England Repair Grants for Heritage at Risk

  • Grants for projects that repair, conserve and care for historic places including buildings, structures, monuments, landscapes and areas.
  • Must be building or asset listed at Grade I or II*
  • Generally no strict maximum, with typical projects ranging from £1,000 to over £500,000 based on need
  • More info HERE

 

Laing Family Trusts

  • To support new church building, extension or redevelopment projects, with a particular emphasis on churches using their physical resources to communicate Christian faith and respond to needs in their local community
  • Max grant to not exceed £25,000
  • More info HERE

 

The Number 1 Trust Fund

  • Grants available for the repair, restoration and refurbishment of churches
  • Projects project must be set in the context of a long-term strategic plan for growth
  • No maximum or average grant size stated
  • More info HERE

 

Pilgrim Trust

  • Funds for the preservation and repair of historic buildings, structures and architectural features
  • Special consideration to those helping find sustainable solutions for the conservation and re-use of historic buildings – especially those at risk and of outstanding importance
  • Grants available up to £20k
  • More info HERE

 

National Churches Trust, Large Grants

  • This programme offers our largest grants of up to £50,000 towards the cost of major urgent structural repair projects costed at more than £80,000 including VAT.
  • grants of £40,000 to £50,000 are extremely limited and reserved for cases which demonstrate a very high case for investment
  • More info HERE

 

Area grants and loans

  • Area grants and loans are available to churches primarily for the repair of church buildings or related projects.
  • They are awarded by the Area Council based on the Area Finance Committee’s recommendation.
  • Grants available up to £20k
  • Loans available up to £20k, with zero interest
  • Contact your area finance advisor for more information

 

Jill and Norman Frankline Trust

  • Grants available for church restoration
  • Churches need to be listed Grade 1 or exceptionally Grade 2*
  • Grants available up to £50k
  • More info HERE

 

Wolfson Repair Grants (via National Churches Trust)

  • Grants available towards essential fabric repairs at churches
  • These grants are usually up to £10,000
  • More info HERE

 

Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust

  • The trust offers assistance for conservation and heritage projects, specifically focusing on churches.
  • Grants can go up to £40,000
  • The Trust does not maintain a website. Please apply in writing to: Sharon Capper, Trust Administrator For and on behalf of Irwin Mitchell LLP Chichester, Thomas Eggar House, Friary Lane, Chichester, PO19 1UF.
  • More info HERE

 

The journey to net zero is best approached in phases, with different funders relevant at different points. We’ve broken this into a simple three‑stage pathway to help parishes understand the typical sequence of actions and the funding available at each stage. Although real projects may not follow the model exactly, it provides a helpful overview of how most decarbonisation journeys progress. For further support, contact the Net Zero team.

The 3‑phase process and associated list of funders can be found HERE.

** These lists are not yet available but will be soon. Please check back here regularly **

Here you can find a link to a selection of curated funding lists to support your fundraising efforts. Each list focuses on a specific area of funding, helping you narrow down potential funders for the project you have in mind.

  • Church Halls
  • Community activity
  • Projects involving young people
  • Missional and youth activity
  • Churchyards and green spaces
  • Music
  • Organs
  • Artefacts

These lists are restricted. You will be asked to enter your London Diocese Parish number to access them. 

Please treat these as “long lists” of potential funders. While each fund has been researched to ensure it is broadly relevant and within scope for LDF parishes, the lists are not updated sufficiently regularly to reflect potential changes to deadlines, priorities, or eligibility criteria. As part of your fundraising planning, you should therefore take time to research each fund thoroughly before applying.

Many funds open and close throughout the year, so it is important to check funders’ websites regularly and plan ahead to ensure you can meet application deadlines.

If you identify a funder that seems particularly well suited to your project, consider signing up to their mailing list to stay informed about new opportunities and deadlines. Where possible, it can also be helpful to contact the funder directly and ask whether they would be willing to meet online to discuss your project. Although this is not always possible, these conversations can provide valuable insight to strengthen your application and help build a positive relationship with the funder.

If you are looking to raise funds for a project and cannot find the information you need on our fundraising pages, please feel free to contact us at funding@london.anglican.org

LDF curated lists of funders

For certain types of projects — particularly community-focused or net‑zero initiatives — it is often best to begin your funding search close to home. Local and regional funders tend to understand the needs and pressures in your area, may already recognise your church’s local role, and usually have simpler processes and quicker decisions. Existing relationships within your congregation, local councillors, schools or community partners can also help strengthen your approach.

Think of your search in widening circles: start with hyper‑local trusts, community foundations, neighbourhood funds and borough schemes; then explore London‑wide opportunities; and finally move to national funders, which are typically more competitive and require more detailed applications.

  • Your local authority (local council) should also be your first point of contact when you begin looking for funding. Engaging early with your local authority helps your church become part of the wider local ecology. Council officers can connect you with others delivering similar projects, help you identify potential partnerships, avoid duplication locally, or strengthen your offer.
  • Many councils run their own grant programmes—such as community funds or net-zero schemes—or maintain directories of local trusts, foundations and voluntary sector support. They can help you understand how your project fits with local strategies and priorities.
  • Because many council-led programmes open and close throughout the year, keeping in regular contact and developing positive relationships with officers can help you stay informed, become funding ready, and increase your chances of accessing the right opportunities at the right time.

There are a number of databases that are available online that will help you in your search for relevant funders. Some useful ones are listed below, some free, some with a charge. Be aware that some have better search and filter functions than others!

As you develop your fundraising practice, it is invaluable to build and maintain your own database of funders. This can just be done on a simple spreadsheet or even word doc. Keep a running list of every trust, foundation or public fund you come across that could be relevant to your church—even if the timing isn’t right yet. Record key details such as grant amounts, eligibility criteria, deadlines, thematic priorities and any personal connections you may have.

Use your database to document every application you submit, including outcomes, feedback, and learning for future bids. Over time, this becomes a rich source of intelligence that helps you refine your approach, avoid repeating mistakes and identify patterns in what works well for your parish. Review and update your list regularly, noting when funds open or close and tracking any changes to criteria or priorities. Where possible, sign up to funders’ newsletters or alerts so you receive updates and deadlines directly.

Don’t overlook the potential for support from local businesses. Many companies large and small are keen to give back to their community, particularly when they can see the direct impact of their contribution. Support does not always have to come in the form of cash; sponsorship, match-funding, donations of goods or time, or pro bono services can all make a meaningful difference to your project.

In some cases, businesses have contributed by donating supplies for a lunch club, printing leaflets for a community event, or offering their staff time to paint and refresh a church hall. Start by mapping any existing relationships within your parish; ask your PCC, congregation, or volunteers who works for, or has links to, a local company.

How to approach businesses:

  • Keep the ask simple and focused — highlight the local benefit, who it helps, and what difference their support would make
  • Offer public recognition if appropriate (e.g. s logo on a flyer, a mention at an event, or a thank you them on social media)
  • Focus on relationships first — invite them to see the project or attend an event before asking for money
  • Be open to creative partnerships — some companies might prefer to donate time, products, or staff volunteers