FUNDING
These pages aim to give simple, straightforward advice to parishes as to how they can raise money towards the cost of maintaining, repairing and developing their church building. Apart from once-off income, such as legacies, the main sources of income are giving generated locally, grants from other organisations and loans. While the main focus of this guide is on grant aid, the other two options are mentioned as well, together with information on further information, because most projects need funding by a mixture of all three.
Every church is unique so every funding appeal has to be tailored to suit the place. No guidance notes can cover every case so we have listed only those organisations that are in a position to make grants over the country as a whole, rather than those who are restricted to particular areas (apart from the county trusts).
Please make sure you have worked through the previous stages of the appropriate How to... guides on this website before developing your funding strategy.
Further Information
Some dioceses have development, stewardship, funding or resources officers who can give you further advice on stewardship, funding and fundraising issues. Contact your diocese for further information.
The Parish Resources for Stewardship website contains resources and advice for parish treasurers, project treasurers, Gift Aid secretaries and all those who have a concern for making sure the church has a firm financial base for carrying out its mission and ministry. It includes advice on fundraising, Gift Aid, setting up a Friends scheme and parish giving.
The Charity Commission for England and Wales produces various publications which might be useful in parish finances. These include Charities' Reserves (CC19) and Use of Church Halls for Village Hall and Other Charitable Purposes (CC18), which are available on the Commission's website.
There is a comprehensive guide to funding for historic buildings, including churches, on the Funds for Historic Buildings website. Apart from a searchable directory of funding sources, it contains information on making funding applications, other resources and information on regeneration funding.
Maggie Durran, The UK Church Fundraising Handbook. A practical manual and directory of sources (Canterbury Press, 2003)
Jane Grieve, Fundraising for Churches (SPCK, 1999)
