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Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust

Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust Grants

Grants for repairs, conservation and improvements to Christian places of worship of any denomination in the historic county of Northamptonshire (now North and West Northamptonshire) that are over 50 years old and in regular use for worship. The trust helps 20-40 churches and chapels a year; 2025 grants ranged from £1,000 to £10,000, and it also gives £500 towards roof alarms. Applications are accepted year-round on a simple form and decided at Trustee meetings twice a year.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Amount not specified
no fixed round
Deadline
Rolling
apply any time
Effort
Light
short form, little evidence needed

Who can apply

  • Christian places of worship of any denomination (churches and chapels) in the historic county of Northamptonshire - now North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire unitary areas - that are over 50 years old and in regular use as a place of worship
  • Buildings need not be listed and churches do not need to be members/Friends of the trust (they are invited to join)
  • The application is signed by the incumbent/minister and church treasurer
  • Church of England churches must have or be seeking a faculty or Archdeacon's approval; other denominations must have any approval their governing body requires

What it funds

Repairs and conservation to keep the fabric of the building in good condition:

  • Roof repairs (slates and tiles) and roof alarms (£500 from the trust's own funds)
  • Rainwater goods and drainage
  • Window repairs including glazing, tracery and historically important glass
  • Replastering and associated interior decoration
  • Floors and pew platforms
  • Fixtures and fittings including pews and monuments
  • Organ infrastructure (not the instrument)
  • Bell frames (not bells)
  • Conservation of wall paintings and stonework
  • Electrical switchgear, rewiring and lighting
  • Replacement heating systems
  • Churchyard repairs where the churchyard is still the place of worship's responsibility and open for burials
  • Community-use improvements such as disabled access, toilets and serveries

Urgent small 'stitch in time' grants for critical repairs identified in a quinquennial or similar survey are also available.

Phased projects can be considered phase by phase.

What it will not fund

  • Surveys, reports, professional fees and VAT (not normally)
  • Routine maintenance such as gutter clearing and redecoration
  • New building works (only at Trustees' discretion)
  • Organ instruments and bells themselves
  • Costs that were or should have been covered by insurance
  • Retrospective costs
  • Work started before applying (unless to remedy danger to life or make an unsafe building safe)
  • A new phase while an earlier offer is outstanding and not near completion (unlikely)

How to apply

  1. Read the grant criteria and download the Grant Application Form (PDF) from the website
  2. Contact the Grants Secretary, Michael Moore (01536 483505), if you need help or advice
  3. Complete the form (typed or handwritten) and send it with supporting documents by email or post to the Grants Secretary, 1 Horrocks Way, Kettering NN15 5DH
  4. The Grants Committee usually visits the church before considering the application
  5. The Grants Committee makes recommendations and the Trustee Board decides; offers are made in writing with conditions
  6. Once work is done, send receipted bills or architect's certificates to claim payment (by cheque to the church's bank account)

The Grants Committee meets twice a year; send applications at least one month before the Board meeting or they may be deferred to the next meeting. The 2026 meeting dates are not shown on the website - ask the Grants Secretary.

Offers are valid for 3 years and lapse if not claimed. Grantees must display an acknowledgement in the church for at least 2 years.

Have ready

  • Completed Grant Application Form signed by the incumbent/minister and church treasurer
  • Latest set of accounts
  • Quotations for the work (if available)
  • Specification or letter from the church architect (for more complex repairs)
  • Supporting letter with background information
  • Photographs of the area concerned (very helpful)
  • Confirmation of faculty/Archdeacon's approval (C of E) or equivalent denominational approval

The form also asks about listing grade, attendance, project costs, other funds raised and your architect.

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