In terms of funding opportunities, we would recommend the following:
- There is Feasibility Funding available from the Property Development Committee, which offers match funding for the initial costs of scoping out ideas.
- Methodist Insurance have a fundraising support page with a list of external grant providers as well as tips for a successful application. You can find more information on Fundraising Support Hub.
- You could apply for a Landfill Grant. You would need to do quick check to see if you are eligible. TMCP have produced a helpful flowchart, click here to view. As well, please be aware that you can apply to more than one landfill operator if eligible.
- If your church is listed or in a Conservation area, you could look for funding opportunities on Conservation News, Funding and Training.
- If a church is listed, then it can apply to reclaim the VAT through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.
- The Joseph Rank Trust has a dedicated page regarding applying for Methodist Grants. As well, it includes a very helpful funding guide for Methodist applicants.
- Benefact Trust offer Community Impact grants that include building improvements, heritage skills, Methodist grants and crisis response grants. Click here to find out more.
- The National Churches Trust offer a variety of grants for projects and urgent repairs & maintenance. Click here to learn more.
To help with writing grant applications to the National Churches Trust, an example of an application form for the Medium Grant programme has been created by the Connexional Property Support Team. Maintenance Plans are a required supporting document for National Churches Trust Applications. The Connexional Property Support Team has also created a Maintenance Plan Example.
Medium Grant Application Example
- TMCP offer discretionary grants for repairs and some mission projects. You can find the details and check eligibility on Grants - Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes.
- Methodist Insurance offer grants for repairs and projects. You can check eligibility and find further information on Methodist Grants Programme - Methodist Insurance.
- Through the Roof is a disability charity that helps churches and ministries to find funding for building work to improved disabled access.
- Friends Groups - The National Churches Trust has guidance on how to set up a Friends Group and offers a model constitution. Read more information on Setting up a friends group | National Churches Trust.
- Transforming Churches and Communities provide an up-to-date list of grant providers as well as some fundraising training. Click here to learn more.
- You could apply to Methodist Chapel Aid for a loan.
- Certain building work can be eligible for VAT relief if it includes special features that can be used by disabled people. Click here to more information.
- If your district has a grant officer or a mission enabler, they might be able to assist as you may be eligible for a district and/or circuit grant.
Further Resources
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising offers plenty of advice and resources on all aspects of fundraising.
Giving to Heritage was the Heritage Alliance’s training programme for fundraisers in the heritage sector. The initiative has ended, and the Heritage Alliance has now set up the Heritage Funding Directory as a free guide to financial support for anyone undertaking UK related heritage projects.
The Voluntary and community sector (VCS) infrastructure organisation can provide vital support for voluntary organisations and community groups in the form of advice on setting up new projects as well as information on available local grants and support in the application process. NAVCA (National Association for Voluntary and Community Action)is the national voice of local support and development organisations and their directory will help you identify your local organisations.
The ChurchBuild website looks at the range of different types of fundraising.
The Directory of Social Change offers fundraising training, online resources, publications and events as well as undertaking bespoke research.
Catalyst Cymru (part of the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action) provides a useful website for heritage fundraising.
The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) toolkit, Fundraising Fundamentals is intended to help charities put the foundations in place for an effective fundraising strategy.
Chapter 10 Raising the Funds from Crossing the Threshold toolkit.
Publications
Grow Your Church’s Income: A guide to securing long-term financial health by Maggie Durran (Canterbury Press, Norwich 2011, ISBN13:9781848250390) UK Church Fundraising Handbook by Maggie Durran (Canterbury Press Norwich, 2010 (new edition), ISBN: 978-184825002-4)
Fundraising for a Community Project by Simon Whaley (How to Books, 2007, ISBN: 978 184528174-8) This book is a practical manual and directory of sources.
Fund Raising for Churches by Jane Grieve. Aimed at all churches, this book takes the most effective methods of fundraisers and shows how they can be used and adapted specifically for Christian churches. (1999, ISBN-13: 9780281050581). Only available on Amazon.