Guidance has been published today, 20 May, on applying to a new Government grant fund for listed places of worship. The fund provides support for capital works, including fabric repairs and essential improvements such as electrical upgrades, heating, toilet provision, and step-free access.
The Places of Worship Renewal Fund, for listed places of worship, is launched with details of its remit and eligibility criteria: Places of Worship Renewal Fund | Historic England. The Fund will be administered by Historic England.
The £92 million scheme - £23 million a year - is for England only and will last for four years. It is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and replaces the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme.
Churches are being encouraged to explore making expressions of interest under the scheme with the application process expected to be proportionate to the size of the grant that is applied for.
The Bishop of Lynn, Dr Jane Steen, the Church of England's deputy lead bishop for buildings, said:
"Our church buildings are national treasures for the common good, both for their spiritual, cultural and historical significance and the vital practical help they provide communities across the country.
"The majority of fundraising for the maintenance and repair of church buildings is done locally by thousands of wonderful volunteers. The Places of Worship Renewal Fund has a vital part to play alongside this local fundraising, and other funders who support churches.
“We welcome the launch of the Fund and we look forward to working closely with Historic England, in helping encourage eligible churches to make full use of the scheme."
The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest for the first round of grants is Sunday 14 June, 2026. A second round will follow soon after in September 2026.
The launch of the Fund has come amid concerns over the ending of the Listed Places of Worship Grant scheme, after more than 20 years in operation. The Scheme repaid VAT as a grant on essential repairs and maintenance of more than £1,000 .
The Church of England's national buildings team has pledged to keep working with the wider sector and the Government to make the case for the importance of church buildings to communities and national life and to work to alleviate the extra burden of fundraising for churches.
If you would like support with submitting an application, please reach out to Lydia Nash, Generosity and Giving Manager, at Lydia.Nash@bristoldiocese.org
If you have questions around potential building works, please reach out to Chris Barnes, Church Buildings Officer, at Chris.Barnes@bristoldiocese.org