£15m fund open to listed places of worship

Grants up to £100k available for urgent roof repairs to places of worship of all faiths and denominations – application deadline 30th January 2015

Congregations across the South West England’s responsible for looking after listed places of worship can now apply to a new £15million fund to address urgent roof repairs to ensure their historic buildings are weathertight, safe and open for use.

The grants are available through the government-funded Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund.  Organisations, trusts and congregations of all faiths and denominations can apply for a grant from £10,000 to £100,000 to meet the costs of urgent repairs to roofs and rainwater disposal systems.  Limited funding can also be provided for structural investigations; specialist reports and bat surveys.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, said: “Our places of worship are wonderful examples of our heritage that we’re proud to invest in. This fund will help conserve and maintain these historic buildings so they can continue to play a vital role in the communities they serve, for years to come.”

Welcoming the news, The Bishop of Worcester, Rt Revd Dr John Inge, lead bishop for cathedrals and church buildings said:  “This will make a real and lasting difference to parishes that are awarded grants. A secure roof can last 100 years and will prevent gradual, and ultimately costly, decay of fabric. It will keep these important buildings warm and secure, allowing them to remain open and welcoming for both worship and wider community use. This fund will particularly provide relief for those parishes that are resource-poor, allowing them to focus their attention on growing their ministry and engaging with local people.”

There is only one opportunity to apply to The Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund.  The closing date for applications is noon, Friday 30th January 2015.  Decisions will be announced in March 2015.  More information on how to apply can be found at www.lpowroof.org.uk