The Congregational and General Charitable Trust
Capital grants from £1,000 to £25,000 are available for community initiatives that support the United Reformed Church and other churches in the Protestant tradition in the United Kingdom. Previously, the Trust has funded Food Banks, Breakfast Clubs and Youth Groups.
The Congregational and General Charitable Trust increased its maximum grant level in 2022 and now provides capital grants of up to £25,000 (previously the maximum grant was £10,000) for community initiatives that support the United Reformed Church and other churches in the Protestant tradition, as well as church-based community projects. The Trust also has an objective to contribute to the funds of any charitable institutions, associations, funds or objects to carry out any charitable purpose. Its principal activity, however, continues to be that of helping sustain places of worship and Christian projects awarding grants.
The Trust will provide grant support for building or property projects and church community projects seeking a contribution towards capital costs. Awards are made on a one-off basis and are between £1,000 and £25,000. The Trust normally award grants totalling around £100,000 every 3 months.
Grants agreed go towards supporting the upkeep of church properties, many of which can be either Grade 1 or 2 listed properties and are expensive to maintain. Assistance with damaged roofs, dry rot and water ingress are requests that are regularly supported. Other areas of support include assistance with disability access, disability toilets, window repairs and lighting and heating issues.
Many of the churches have connected buildings which accommodate various community groups and small charitable organisations. These can include dementia groups, youth clubs, food banks and breakfast clubs. The Trust believes it is also important that these properties are maintained to ensure that such groups can continue to support their local communities.
The Trust encourages churches to take professional advice (for example, Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Site Management) in preparing for and undertaking building projects. These costs can be included in the total project costs when applying for a grant.
Funding is not available for:
- Running costs of the church.
- Organ and Church bells restoration.
- Conservation/restoration of works of art.
- Manse works, or
- Graveyard maintenance.