Main Grants Fund
To be considered for funding, applications must both fall within the Church Object, and fit at least one of the funding areas listed below:
Prioritisation
In a competitive round, we will prioritise applications that:
- address problems that could result in deterioration or disruption if not addressed; or
- involve the upkeep and repair of the fabric of the building
Funding areas in detail
1. Major works and building projects
Usual grant amount £20,000 – £65,000
Major works and buildings projects would cover work such as:
- Substantial fabric repairs including stonework, drainage and roof works
- Heating – repairs and installation
- Organ repairs
- Reordering projects
- Major access works
- Boundary walls, paths, and other repairs within the curtilage addressing safety issues
- Net zero carbon and environmental works, including insulation, solar panels, and LED lighting
If you are planning major works or a substantial buildings project, please contact the charity’s staff team at an early stage for a discussion. Although Cloudesley will not usually make a grant of more than £65,000 to a church in one funding round, you might be able to apply to us for another grant in a later funding round. In order to access multiple grants for the same project, you will need to show that you have made efforts to find funding from other sources, and provide a fundraising plan. There may be limits on the number of grants for a specific project and the frequency that grants will be agreed, so please do get in touch to discuss this.
As well as the general information required from applicant churches, we will usually need you to:
- Demonstrate that appropriate professional advice has been taken or will be taken before the works are taken forward
- Show that there is a clear timetable for the works, with milestones, in place, for major works/projects.
2. Preventative works, simple repairs and facilities
Usual grant amount £5,000 – £40,000
Cloudesley will consider funding for:
- preventative works and/or simple repairs, including those identified through the Quinquennial Inspection (QI) process or other periodic inspections as well as those identified at other times.
- Works to facilities such as kitchens and toilets, and related equipment
- AV equipment
- Lower cost repairs of boundary walls, paths, and other repairs within the curtilage addressing safety issues
- Seating for main worship space
- Redecoration and flooring
- Lower cost access and net zero carbon projects
3. Project development and feasibility studies
Usual grant amount £5,000 – £40,000
Cloudesley will consider funding for studies, surveys, professional advice, reports, architect’s fees and other items necessary for project development and/or feasibility studies. Project development and feasibility costs will only be funded where the expected project or works that this relates to is expected to be mainly in scope of Cloudesley’s Church Object.
4. Developing church capacity to deal with church buildings issues
Usual grant amount £5,000 – £40,000
Cloudesley will consider funding a variety of items that will help a church develop its ability to manage its own affairs in relation to the fabric of the church building. Amongst other things, this might include consultancy fees which are within the scope of Cloudesley’s Church Object. Please speak to the charity’s staff for advice.
As well as the general information required from applicant churches, we will usually need you to:
- Where appropriate, provide job descriptions and contracts
- Make clear how this work will lead to longer term improvements in the capacity of the church to deal with church buildings issues
Eligible churches will be able to apply to Cloudesley at two points during each year, to a Spring and Autumn funding round. It is expected that churches will usually only submit one application per funding round, applying for a grant under one of the funding area set out above. If part of your application fits under a second funding area you will be given the option to select this when completing your application.
In the case of a major emergency (for example, if the church needs to be closed for health and safety reasons), Cloudesley may be willing to consider an application outside the normal funding rounds. This should be discussed with the charity’s office as soon as possible.
For further information please see our funding exclusions.
Funding Exclusions
