An aerial view of Claypole St Peter Church James MacDonald
James MacDonald

40 churches saved in time for Christmas by our grants

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Forty churches across the UK will stay open and in good repair thanks to £496,625 of funding awarded and recommended by the National Churches Trust in this latest round of grants.  

“We are thrilled to partner with so many churches to enable them to carry out urgent repairs and make their buildings fit for the 21st century,” shares Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust. 

“From installing kitchens and accessible toilets to making their buildings windproof and watertight, our grants help to keep churches in good condition and serving local people.” 

Show me the impact of our grants  

Through our Large and Medium grants, we have been able to reach churches across the UK with vital support, enabling them to keep their buildings well maintained and open for all.

"An immeasurable gift". Hear from the churches what a grant means to them  

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding from the National Churches Trust. It will enable us to carry out the work necessary to reopen our chapel for the benefit of the community,” says Ian Ross, Minister at Bryn Sion Chapel in Aberdare, Wales. 

"For many years chapels in our valley have closed and often gone into disrepair. We are so happy that Bryn Sion will now remain open as an accessible, warm, welcoming chapel in the heart of the village of Trecynon. Thank you.” 

“We are most delighted to receive the funding support from the National Churches Trust,” shares Rufai Adesola, minister at RCCG King of Glory Church in Edinburgh. “Our community is growing fast so we require more space to welcome people and this grant will enable us to achieve our vision and aims. 

“The impact of this funding will be felt mostly among the mother and toddler groups, because this group is most affected by our limited facilities.” 

“It is difficult to put into words the difference this grant makes to the life of the church,” says Reverend Lucie Lunn, Vicar of St Margaret’s Church in Hornby, Lancashire. 

“Our outreach, worship and funds have been clouded by the concern for the roof for several years. To know that we are able now to plan for the school’s Christmas service and other events for our community to come back into the building is an immeasurable gift.” 

 

Working together for the future of our churches

The grants are made possible thanks to our Friends and supporters, including the Wolfson Foundation and the Headley Trust, which enables us to reach even more churches across the UK with urgent funding.  

"Churches sit in the heart of their communities and provide unrivalled support to local people,” shares Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation. 

“We are delighted to continue to partner with the National Churches Trust to help conserve and restore listed places of worship of outstanding historical and architectural significance, preserving these much-loved buildings for future generations to enjoy.” 

In 2023, the National Churches Trust has so far made over 180 grant awards to churches throughout the UK, with funding totalling more than £1.4 million. 

Moving into 2024, the National Churches Trust will continue to help churches through our extensive grants programme.