Applying for Grants

To apply for a grant please read the notes below and download and complete the application form.

Notes for applicants for Grants

The Trust is concerned with the preservation, repair, maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction of Christian churches of all denomination within the boundaries of Herefordshire.

Grants cannot be given for general maintenance of lighting, heating, decoration or furnishings. Projects associated with health and safety issues or implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act will be considered.

When conservation work is necessary to stained glass, wall-paintings, bells, monuments or historic furnishings, application must also be made to The Council for the Care of Churches. (Fifth Floor, Church House, Great Smith St, London, SW1P 3NZ)

It is an essential condition that an approved architect should be in charge of the work, and that a FACULTY or ARCHDEACON'S CERTIFICATE, or appropriate building works approval has been applied for. No Grant can actually be paid until the Faculty or Certificate or evidence of building works approval has been presented to the Secretary.

Grants are conditional upon the work being executed in accordance with the specifications approved by the Diocesan Advisory Committee or appropriate authority. No payment will be made until the secretary has received evidence (receipted bills or architect's certificates) confirming that work to the value of the grant has been completed.

Grants remain in force for two years. If not claimed by then, they will automatically lapse, and re-application must be made. If there is likely to be a long delay before taking up the grant, it is helpful if the Treasurer is informed.

The Trustees will require evidence that every effort has been made to raise funds locally. Application for assistance should also be made to English Heritage when appropriate and to the National Churches Trust (31 Newbury Street, London, EC1A 7HU).

Applications are considered by the Trustees at their meetings in April and October. The result will be communicated to the applicant immediately the decision is made. Completed application forms, with supporting documents, must be received by the Secretary before 15 March or 15 September. Receipt of the form will be acknowledged.

Provided that the Faculty, Archdeacon's Certificate or formal approval has been obtained there is no need for the start of the work for which the grant application is being made to be delayed until the result of the application is known. Please note that this does not apply to English Heritage or Historic Churches Preservation Trust, who both insist that no work is started until their grant has been authorised.

If the work to be done arises from from a Quinquennial Inspection, please indicate which parts of it the architect has designated as URGENT and which as NON-URGENT.

If the applicant is not the Incumbent, the form must be signed by that person also.

A copy of the PCC's or managing body's most recent statements of accounts and copies of any letters from English Heritage or other organisations that have awarded grants in the respect of the project associated with this application must be submitted with the application form.