Grants

A group of young people make funny poses and raise their hands in the air in front of a 'green screen' as part of a film project funded by the Children and Young People Fund.

We have a number of funding opportunities which churches can explore to help support them with their mission and ministry.

On this page we give details of:

Property Grants
Boiler Hardship Grant
Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins Grants
Other external funding opportunities

We also provide some information about other organisations with funding opportunities that churches may be interested in exploring.

 

Property Grants

We are pleased to offer two grant funds (Missional Property Fund Grants and Minor Repairs and Improvements Grants) to support repairs and improvements to church buildings. Please visit our dedicated page for Property Grants.

 

Boiler Hardship Grant

The new Boiler Hardship Grant Fund aims to support churches/church halls with limited budgets with the costs of replacing a gas boiler with an alternative low-carbon heating system.
 

Net Zero Carbon Quick Wins Grants

The Diocese of Rochester will distribute a small number of grants, totalling approximately £ 48,850, to help parishes on their way to net zero carbon. The focus is on reducing the energy footprint of buildings such as churches and halls by completing works that will support their journey towards net-zero carbon.

Projects up to £3000 can be covered in full by this grant.

For projects over £3000, grants will (in addition to the £3000) cover 50% of the excess. The maximum grant is £10,000 per church/church hall.
 
Example:
If a total project cost is £12000, you can apply for £7500 (£3000 + 50% of £9000)
 
The application deadline is 31 August 2025, but applications will be reviewed in batches, on a rolling basis, so that available funding may run out before this date.


To be considered for the grant, the building must have the Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) completed for the last full calendar year, and the church must be at least ‘registered’  for the A Rocha Eco Church scheme.


Types of projects include:

  • Increasing energy efficiency
  • Decarbonising heating and lighting
  • Temporary heating solutions
  • Electrical upgrades

A full list of eligible projects and grant conditions can be found here.


How to apply

Download the application form here.

You can apply at any time, and our Diocesan Panel will aim to make a decision as soon as possible. Funds need to be given to parishes by the end of 2025.

You can also register your interest by emailing netzero@rochester.anglican.org, and our Net Zero Adviser can support you through the process.

The grant scheme is administered by the Net Zero Adviser, and the decision-making panel consists of the Archdeacons, DAC Secretary, Diocesan Secretary and the Net Zero Team.

 

In the meantime, start preparing for your application with these first steps:

Please note: If there is a higher demand for the grant than there is funding available, applications will be prioritised by looking at the potential carbon savings and the church deprivation rank.

 

Other external funding opportunities

National Churches Trust

The National Churches Trust gives grants ranging from small grants for maintenance issues, to larger grants for building repairs and the installation of toilets and kitchens. Parishes need to have approval in place before applying for a grant. There are usually two funding rounds a year.

Friends of Kent Churches

The Friends of Kent Churches gives grants to churches for maintenance works and also considers applications for toilets and kitchens. There are two applications rounds each year, with deadlines of 1st May and 1st November.

Please note that churches within the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley are eligible for grants from the Friends of Kent Churches.

Congregational and General Trust
Congregational and General trust gives grants ranging from £1000 to £25,000 for capital projects involving repairs, improvements or extensions. Applications are considered quarterly. Please see their website for the next application deadline.
 
Benefact Trust

The Benefact Trust gives grants to Christian organisations, including for repairs and improvements, especially where works support wider community use.

Funding For All
Funding for All is a charity that provides free, expert fundraising advice to small charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises from across Kent and Medway
 
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme
The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme gives grants to cover the VAT incurred when making eligible repairs or other work to listed buildings in use as places of worship.
 
The National Lottery’s Heritage Fund
The National Lottery’s Heritage Fund funds heritage projects ranging from from £10,000 to £10million. They have recently widened their scope in order to offer more support and more grants.
 
The Church Buildings Council
The Church Buildings Council gives grants for the conservation of historic church interiors and churchyard structures in partnership with a number of other funders. Details of the types of grants offered, eligibility and deadlines for applications can be found on their website
 
 
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