Church maintenance helps avoid church restoration. Modest amounts invested in maintenance now will lead to savings later. The CHCT has introduced a scheme that allows churches to apply for funding for regular maintenance projects and emergency repairs using a simplified and speedier application process.

The scheme allows churches to replace slates, attend to gutters and down pipes (also called rainwater goods), maintain drains and deal with minor masonry repairs, such as repointing.

The CHCT will offer grants of £1,000 or 20% of the cost of the scheme before VAT, whichever is less. VAT is probably reclaimable under the Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme. The minimum grant size is £250.

The main grant criteria are:

• Work Identified by QI, surveyor’s report or report by gutter management contractor
• Two quotes for the work must be obtained
• Work costed between £1,000 and £10,000

We will arrange for our committee member for your area or Deanery to contact you and to undertake a site inspection if appropriate. In the absence of any complications arising, the full grant will be paid on commencement of the work.

Work of this nature is unlikely to require a faculty, but you MUST consult with the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) or equivalent body for your denomination before proceeding. We will require evidence that you have done so before making any grant. Please note, the DAC has special arrangements for emergencies.

For further information contact the DAC secretary, Mrs Sue Thorold on 01872 247216 or email

Our ‘Fast Track’ scheme is similar to the National Churches Trust (NCT) Foundation Grant Programme, which encourages churches to act on small urgent maintenance issues. The NCT will require you to have raised 50% of the total repair cost before you apply. It is hoped that the CHCT grant, with a further grant from elsewhere or a modest contribution from church funds will enable you to do this. The NCT is likely to offer you a grant of 50% of the cost of the project (less VAT) up to £3,000.

We hope that this initiative will help churches address maintenance issues on the grounds that a ’stitch in time saves nine’.

To apply, download the CHCT Fast Track Maintenance Application Form.

Further information about the National Churches Trust (NCT) Maintenance Grant Programme