DON'T JUST LOVE THEM. HELP SAVE THEM.

Plague, war, fire. Churches have stood through it all. But they won’t survive the next five years without you. Please donate today and help save churches at risk in the UK. Your donation can protect breath-taking art, architecture and stories that span centuries.

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Keeping church buildings open and in use

Our impact in numbers

We want to keep the UK’s wonderful collection of church buildings well maintained, valued and in use. Working on the ground in all four nations, we support churches of all denominations. Our vision is to see open churches thriving at the heart of their communities.

Over 2000 churches, chapels, meeting houses and cathedrals

we've helped keep open, in good repair and supporting local people since 2007.
£ 2.6 million awarded in 2025

to churches and chapels for urgent repairs, new facilities and essential maintenance.
12 churches and chapels

removed from the Heritage at Risk Register in 2025 with the support of our grants.

Church of the Week

Rochdale, Greater Manchester

The design of St John the Baptist in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, our Church of the Week, was inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Built in 1927 in the Byzantine Revival style, the church was designed by the architect Henry Oswald Hill, on the instructions of the priest at the time, Canon Henry Chipp, who wanted to construct a new, larger Catholic church in Rochdale to accommodate the growing population. The Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous buildings in the world, was built in 537 as a church, later becoming a museum and now a mosque. Canon Chipp wanted St John the Baptist to emulate the Hagia Sophia’s imposing style, with a striking dome and an interior decorated with a dramatic mosaic on the theme of eternal life. The mosaic, which surrounds the apsed sanctuary, was designed by Eric Newton and depicts Biblical stories like Noah’s Ark as well as saints, angels, animals, geometric designs and a central image of Christ. In 2022, St John the Baptist received a grant from the National Churches Trust for urgent repairs to their roof and dome, helping to keep this beautiful church open and thriving at the heart of its community.

View Rochdale St John the Baptist

Join us and play your part in safeguarding the UK's amazing heritage

A round tower grey stone church pictured on a very stormy day — Broken Taco

Speak up: the new Places of Worship Renewal Fund (and the VAT problem that won’t go away)

The UK Government has now opened the Places of Worship Renewal Fund – a new £92 million four-year-fund to help listed churches in England with repairs. It is good news that the Government sees churches as worth investing in – especially as the future of churches is our biggest heritage crisis. Read our analysis on how the Places of Worship Renewal Fund will work and what it will fund, how it compares to previous support from the UK Government, and what must happen for churches across the whole of the UK to be kept open and in use.

A village from an elevated position — Ioan Said

Join us: come along to an event

Join us for events in some of the UK’s most stunning historic churches, and help protect these sacred spaces for generations to come. Hosted by the National Churches Trust, our exclusive programme of tours, talks, and special gatherings offers you the chance to experience the beauty, history, and community spirit of these remarkable places up close.