About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which denominations does the National Churches Trust cover?

We are only able to support church buildings used by denominations that are members of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.  You can check on their website http://www.ctbi.org.uk/AJ/185 which churches are members.

2. What is the National Churches Trust?

National Churches Trust was launched in 2007 as the only national, independent non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting places of worship of historic, architectural and community value used by Christian denominations throughout the UK. The Trust promotes the use of these buildings by congregations and the wider community - underlining their importance to society.

3. Is the National Churches Trust affiliated with any denomination?

No.  The National Churches Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation, dedicated to supporting and promoting places of worship used by Christian denominations throughout the UK.

4. What is the geographical remit of the National Churches Trust?

We cover the whole of the United Kingdom including Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

5. Does the National Churches Trust own church buildings?

We do not own any buildings nor do we take redundant buildings into trust.   We aim to support those  responsible for the upkeep of places of worship.

6. How is the National Churches Trust funded?

The Trust receives no funding from government or church authorities and relies on individual donations (including legacies), parishes, Trusts and Foundations and investment income.

7. Does the National Churches Trust have responsibility for redundant churches?

The National Churches Trust does not take any redundant places of worship into trust.  We aim to support buildings and maintain their activities in order to prevent closure and redundancy. Organisations responsible for redundant churches include the Churches Conservation Trust http://www.visitchurches.org.uk/, the Friends of Friendless Churches http://www.friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/CMSMS/index.php, Historic Chapels Trust http://www.hct.org.uk/, the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust http://www.srct.org.uk/ and the Welsh Religious Buildings Trust http://www.welshreligiousbuildings.org/.

8. What is the Historic Churches Preservation Trust?

The Historic Churches Preservation Trust was established in 1953 to support the conservation of church buildings.  It became the National Churches Trust in 2007.

9. What is the Incorporated Church Building Society?

The Incorporated Church Building Society was founded in 1818 and incorporated by Act of Parliament ten years later. Its purpose was to “remedy the deficiencies of places set aside for Public Worship in our towns and cities”. By 1845 the Society was assisting with the building of over 50 churches a year. In 1983 the Historic Churches Preservation Trust assumed responsibility for the Society’s affairs. The Society is now, alongside the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, managed under the direction of the National Churches Trust. Lambeth Palace Library holds plans and details of churches helped by ICBS at http://www.churchplansonline.org/.

10. Can my church link to the National Churches Trust website?

Yes.  We have provided a My Church section within this website to let you tell visitors to our website about your place of worship and what is happening there.

11. How do I become a Friend of the National Churches Trust?

It's easy to Become a Friend and start supporting churches; just join online or explore how you can help.

12. Can I leave a legacy to the National Churches Trust?

Yes you can.  We depend on the generosity of our legacy supporters to protect these iconic urban and rural landmarks in which so much of our history is invested.  Explore How You Can Help or call us on 020 7600 6090 to find out more.

13. Can I donate land, property or shares to the National Churches Trust?

Yes.  To discuss what you would like to donate please call on 020 7600 6090 or email and we would be delighted to discuss your plans.

14. How can I get involved in the ‘Ride and Stride’ event?

From Northumberland to Cornwall, Ride + Stride is one of the most popular fundraising events in the country, raising money to support their local church buildings and County Churches Trust.  More than 13,000 people cycled or walked around 10,000 local churches this year and we’re hoping to achieve even more than the £1.5million we raised last year.  You can get involved at http://www.rideandstrideuk.org/

15. Can I volunteer for the National Churches Trust?

 We are always eager to hear from people who think they can help us in our work and donate some of their time.  Please feel free to contact us on 020 7600 6090 or email info@nationalchurchestrust.org to express an interest in our work and how you feel you may be able to help.  

16. How can I get a copy of the National Churches Trust Magazine?

Subscription is FREE when you Become a Friend or if you would like a copy before you decide to join please email us.

17. What types of work will you fund through grants?

We are able to fund repair works and new community facilities like toilets and catering facilities.  Please take a look at the Grants section for all the details. Unfortunately we do not fund work to ancillary buildings and structures; bells and organs (repairs and new); internal furnishings, fixtures and fittings; clocks; monument restoration; heating or lighting; and reorderings.

18. We have already started work on our repair project – can we still apply for a grant?

In most cases we are not able to fund projects where work has already begun.

19. Do you fund the building of new churches?

We do not currently contribute towards the building of new places of worship.

20. I’ve been turned down for a grant - can I apply for the same project again?

Once a decision has been made we cannot revisit the same project. 

21. Where can I find advice on applying for grants?

Full application guidelines, for our own grants, are available within the Grants section of our website.  Please explore Supporting You and In Your Area for details of other organisations that may be able to help towards the cost of your project.

22. Why do I have to be a member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland to apply for a grant?

There are a large number of denominations actively worshipping in the UK.  We promote and support places of worship that cooperate and work with other denominations and faiths.  Churches Together in Britain and Ireland embodies these ideas.

23. My Church isn’t part of Churches Together; can I still apply for a grant?

Unfortunately we can only provide grant aid to organisations that fall under the umbrella of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

24. What are the deadlines for receiving grant applications?

We are open for applications from 1 January to 1 September.

25. After I submit an application, how long will I have to wait before I get a decision?

The time it takes to receive a decision varies but you should allow up to 6 months.

26. Your remit is for the UK. Does this cover the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Scilly Isles?

Yes it does but please ensure that you are part of an organisation affiliated to Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

27. What is the listed place of worship VAT grant scheme?

The scheme allows listed places of worship to claim back all or part of the actual amount spent on VAT on eligible repairs.  From January 1st 2011 you will not be able to claim back VAT against professional fees or repairs to organs, pews, bells and clocks.  Further information can be found at http://www.lpwscheme.org.uk/

28. What are the local Churches Trusts?

The local Churches Trusts are a group of independent bodies providing locally specific support and advice in the counties and regions of the United Kingdom.  They are able to provide support and advice as well as, in some cases, funding for building projects.

29. What is the relationship between the National Churches Trust and local Churches Trusts?

We work closely with the national network of churches trusts to combine their local knowledge and understanding of churches with our national approach to support and information provision. The Ride + Stride event is an excellent example of our collaboration; allowing a local event to take a national approach and reach a wider audience.

30. What kind of help can local Churches Trusts offer me?

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 In Your Area section for more details.

31. How can I get in touch with my nearest local Churches Trusts?

To find out whether a local Churches Trust exists in your locality explore In Your Area for the relevant contact details.

32. Why isn’t my area covered by a local Churches Trust?

The local Churches Trusts are an expanding family of organisations and unfortunately they don’t exist everywhere yet.  If there isn’t one in your local area then please contact us and we should be able to help with any support you might need.

33. How can I apply for funding under the Partnership Grants programme?

The Partnership Grants programme enables the local expertise and knowledge of Churches Trusts around the country to be reflected in the grants offered by the National Churches Trust. Monies are distributed under this scheme by local Churches Trust as part of their own grants programmes.

34. Where can I find advice on sources of funding?

We are only one of a number of organisations that offer financial support to church buildings.  You will find further funding bodies listed in Supporting You and In Your Area.

35. How can I find my nearest church?

Go to our homepage and enter your postcode in the My Church section.  Once entered you will be directed to a map of nearby local places of worship.  Further information will be available through the associated My Church page. Please note that not every place of worship may  appear on this page.

36. Where can I find a professional to undertake a repair project?

You could start your search through the Trust’s Professional Alliance. 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.  More information is available in Supporting You.

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