The Diocese of Hereford is pleased to announce that it has received a share of £6.2 million allocated across dioceses by the Church of England. Hereford Diocese has received a total of £123,750, which it will give in grants of up to £12,000 for minor repairs and improvements to church buildings before the end of 2025. The grants will focus on small-scale but urgent works and ‘stitch in time’ projects that could save larger sums in the long term. The fund will also be able to help cover the cost of essential improvements for the mission and ministry of a church.
The first application period will commence on 1 January 2024, with a deadline of 29 February 2024. Applications will be considered by a sub-committee of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and applicants will be notified whether or not their application has been successful by 31st March 2024.
Application forms and guidance on eligible projects can be found on our website, and completed application forms should be submitted via email to Lorna Theophilus, Church Buildings Support Officer.
Priority for funding will be given to minor roof repairs, repairs to rainwater goods and re-pointing, as well as investigative reports recommended in quinquennial inspection reports. Funds for improvements will focus on addressing climate resilience (for example, increasing the capacity of rainwater goods) and projects that improve both digital and physical accessibility.
Lorna adds: "I'm delighted to see this funding released to improve our church buildings. Each one is a treasured and sacred place and the grants will help to secure them for the benefit of future generations."