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Frequently asked questions

Who we are

We are a national charity that supports and celebrates historic churches of all denominations in every part of the UK.

We do this by providing grants for repairs and community facilities, promoting churches as inspiring places to visit, providing expert advice and support and speaking up for churches in the media.

For so many reasons. There are around 39,000 churches, chapels and meeting houses in the UK. 

These are some of our most awe-inspiring and important historic buildings. We want them open and in use for future generations.

Church buildings are places of worship, but their role in local communities doesn't stop there. Church buildings host food banks, alcohol, drug and mental health counselling, youth clubs and so much more. They are cafés, concert venues and art galleries. Church staff and volunteers support the young, the elderly and the most vulnerable members of the society. We believe churches are key buildings to creating thriving communities.

No. The National Churches Trust is an independent charity dedicated to supporting and celebrating places of worship of all denominations across the UK. We don't receive funding from any church authority.

We work throughout the whole of the UK, including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, plus the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

We do not own any buildings, and we don't take 'redundant' churches (churches which are no longer used) into trust. We support the people who care and look after places of worship, making sure they stay open, active and thriving.

We regularly update the News section of our website with interesting stories and information about the work we're doing.

You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin to hear regular updates and news.

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter for an regular overview of how we're supporting churches buildings. 

Take a look at our publications, including our Annual Review, our updated House of Good report, and our 2021 Future of the UK's Church Buildings report.

We receive no direct funding from government or church authorities. Our work is made possible by the generosity of our Friends and supporters, Trusts and Foundations and from investments. Some of our projects are helped by grants from organisations such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The 'Explore churches' section of our website is the perfect place to discover a love for churches and has all the information you need to find one to visit.

Churches, chapels and meeting houses are treasures houses of art, heritage and community. We also highlight exciting and engaging experiences.

Supporting the work of the National Churches Trust

There are lots of ways to support our work. By becoming a Friend of the National Churches Trust, you will be among the first to know about how we're working to save the UK's churches and chapels. You will also receive invites to exciting online and in-person events, talks and tours.

We love churches, so if you do too, please join us today and receive regular communications and benefits from the Trust.

It's easy to become a Friend by joining online.

Yes. We depend on the generosity of our legacy supporters to help continue our work and we have been privileged to have received many such gifts over the years. You can find out more here or call us on 020 7222 0605 for a no obligation conversation.

We are always eager to hear from people who think they can help us in our work and donate some of their time. We have always made good use of volunteers and as a small organisation they can really feel part of the team. Please feel free to contact us on 020 7222 0605 or email info@nationalchurchestrust.org to express an interest in our work and how you feel you may be able to help. 

Yes. To discuss what you would like to donate please call on 020 7222 0605 and we would be delighted to discuss your plans.

Local Church Trusts

Local Churches Trusts are independent charities providing locally specific support and advice to places of worship in the counties and regions of the United Kingdom, often on a county basis. Each has their own remit but they are generally able to provide funding, support and advice for building projects. You can find details on our list of support organisations.

The Local Churches Trusts vary in the support they offer. However, there are several themes common to the majority of the network. The majority of trusts provide direct grant-giving, largely for structural repairs, but also in some cases for the installation of facilities to enable wider community usage. This national network holds substantial local knowledge of other sources of support, advice and funding which may be unique to a local region, so check the list of support organisations.

From Northumberland to Cornwall, Ride+Stride is one of the most popular heritage and community fundraising events in the country, raising money to support local church buildings. It has been running for over 30 years and more than 13,000 people cycle or walk around 10,000 local churches each year, raising up to £1.5 million in just a few hours. You can get involved and find out more via the dedicated Ride + Stride website.

Grants and church support

The best place to start is on our grants pages. They give full details of the grants we offer, along with deadlines and advice on how to make a successful application. 

You could start your search through the Trust’s Specialist Skills Directory. This is a partnership initiative aimed specifically at companies who have a particular involvement in the work of restoring the fabric of many of the UK’s churches, chapels and meeting houses. Please note that their listing does not imply endorsement or approval by the National Churches Trust – you should seek professional advice before engaging any contractors on a project.