GrantRadar

National Churches Trust

Wolfson Fabric Repair Grants

Wolfson Fabric Repair Grants of up to £15,000 are awarded by the National Churches Trust on behalf of the Wolfson Foundation for repairs to the fabric of highly listed Christian places of worship (Grade I or II* in England and Wales, A or B+ in Northern Ireland, A or B in Scotland). There is no separate application: churches apply through the Trust's Medium or Large Grant programmes and tick the Wolfson box, and can receive both awards. The next deadlines are 3 November 2026 (Large Grants Stage One) and 15 December 2026 (Medium Grants).

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £15,000
Closes in
16 days left
3 November
Effort
Heavy
budgets, references, often several stages

Who can apply

  • Congregations of any Christian denomination whose building meets the National Churches Trust criteria for a Medium or Large Grant and is listed Grade I or II* (England and Wales), Grade A or B+ (Northern Ireland) or Grade A or B (Scotland)
  • NCT criteria include: built as a place of worship at least 30 years ago; at least 6 public services a year; open to the public beyond worship at least 100 days a year; applicant owns or is authorised to do the work; project led by a professionally qualified architect or chartered building surveyor (conservation-accredited for listed buildings); all permissions in place; 50% of the project phase cost already raised; registered with the Charity Commission if income exceeds £100,000 (independent places of worship expected to be registered charities); and a safeguarding policy
  • Medium Grants cover repair projects costing £1,000-£80,000; Large Grants cover structural repairs over £80,000

What it funds

Repairs to the fabric of church buildings with outstanding historic and architectural significance, such as roof repairs, masonry repairs, rainwater disposal and drainage, and floorwork.

What it will not fund

  • Projects that have benefited from Wolfson Foundation funding within the previous five years
  • Renewal of heating and lighting
  • Installation of facilities such as toilets or kitchens
  • Access improvements
  • Project development work
  • Any Category D (or lower) recommendation arising from a Quinquennial Inspection (QI) report
  • VAT recovery
  • Work that has already started
  • New builds, buildings not originally built for worship, converted buildings, and chapels in hospitals, hospices, schools or prisons
  • Separate church halls

How to apply

  1. Check the building's listing grade and that you meet the Medium or Large Grant criteria
  2. Apply online through the National Churches Trust Benefactor portal for a Medium Grant (next deadline Tuesday 15 December 2026) or a Large Grant (two-stage; next Stage One deadline Tuesday 3 November 2026)
  3. Tick the box for Wolfson Fabric Repair Grants towards the end of the application form
  4. After the independent Grants Committee meeting you are told whether you have been awarded either or both grants

Wales also has a separate Cymru/Wales Grade I & II* Listed Repair Grant (currently closed).

Have ready

  • Architect or surveyor assessment of the works
  • At least two quotes for the work
  • Permissions (e.g. Faculty Certificate, planning approval)
  • Evidence that 50% of the project phase cost is raised
  • Proof of charity registration (if applicable)
  • Safeguarding policy

Requirements are those of the Medium/Large Grant application.

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