There are numerous useful sources of information about funding for churches and church projects. A number of funds specialise in church buildings and if you need funds for repairs it is advisable to consider Repair Grants for places of worship (C/E) first.

However a lot of the work done by faith communities, for example with young or old people, disadvantaged groups or the arts, meets the objectives of other funders. Whilst secular funders rarely support the promotion of faith itself, a project that is run by church members as a voluntary community group can have a good chance of receiving funding if it provides value for money. It may be possible to include building work in such a funding application if the work is required to make the building suitable for the project.

See the sub menu to the left for more information.

 Church-based Fundraising

A prominent donation box with clear, succinct information about what money is needed and why is an important basic step. Some churches receive over half their income from visitor donations.

The Ride and Stride sponsored bike ride raises well over a million pounds every year nationally for church buildings. 50% of funds raised go directly to the participants own church and the remainder to the local churches trust.  Click here for information on how to join in.

Faiths in Action

This is not a buildings based fund. Faiths in Action is  a £4m grant programme, has opened for a second round of funding. Faith, inter faith, voluntary and community organisations and groups in England can apply for a grant of up to £6000.

Administered by the Community Development Foundation (CDF) on behalf of Communities and Local Government (CLG), Faiths in Action aims to bring communities together, promoting positive relationships between people of different religions and beliefs.

It is hoped the grants will support a wide variety of local activities in a range of community settings. This includes innovative new ideas as well as ‘tried and tested' approaches. Faiths in Action welcomes projects aimed at women and young people. It also encourages working in partnership, to improve local communities through interaction and sharing of ideas. For more info see here. (Scroll down their home page to 2nd round funding details)