Historic England’s Places of Worship Renewal Fund supports urgent repairs and essential improvements to listed places of worship in England, helping to keep buildings safe, open and in public use.
Funding can support capital works including:
- Urgent repairs to roofs, masonry, timber and drainage
- Professional fees and surveys related to eligible works
- Minor repairs
- Essential improvements, such as heating, toilets, electrical upgrades and step-free access, where these form part of a larger repair project
- Project development work associated with eligible capital repairs
Priority will be given to projects in areas with the greatest need for investment and those delivering significant community benefit.
Who can apply?
The fund is open to listed places of worship in England of any faith or denomination.
To be eligible, the building must:
- Be listed at Grade I, Grade II or Grade II*
- Be an active place of worship, normally used for worship at least six times per year
- Be a dedicated place of worship
- Require eligible repair or improvement works
The fund is competitive, with priority given to projects based on factors including deprivation, financial need, urgency of repairs and community benefit.
What size grants are available?
Grants range from £10,000 to £1 million:
- Small: £10,000-£50,000
- Medium: £50,001-£350,000
- Large: £350,001-£1 million
How to apply
The first stage is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Round 2 is currently open and the deadline is 5pm on Friday 2 October 2026.
Successful EOI applicants will be notified by 26 October 2026 and invited to submit a full application by 5pm on 18 November 2026.
What size grants are available?
- Small: £10,000-£50,000
- Medium: £50,001-£350,000
- Large: £350,001-£1 million