Grants of up to £10,000 are available to churches and chapels of any Christian denomination that is open for regular worship. Work must be to the main church building or an attached hall which must have been constructed as a place of worship at least 30 years ago.
Grants are available for work including:
- Roof repairs
- Rainwater goods maintenance and repairs
- Lime mortar and masonry repairs
- Stonework repairs
- Repairs to window and door structures
Grant applications can be made online at: www.nationalchurchestrust.org/treasure-ireland-grants
A workshop introducing the grants will take place online tomorrow, Thursday 17th September at 10am. Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/funding-regular-maintenance-and-urgent-repairs-tickets-119226687231
About Treasure Ireland
Treasure Ireland is a new project to support historic places of worship in Northern Ireland which will run for three years from 2020 – 2023.
In addition to grants for repairs, the project also offers help and advice with maintenance to help keep churches or chapels in good condition and so avoid having to carry out expensive repairs.
Treasure Ireland aims to increase the number of people visiting churches in Northern Ireland for days out or as part of a holiday. At least 100 churches will be added to the National Churches Trust’s ExploreChurches website, making it easy for visitors to discover the architecture and history of Northern Ireland’s faith heritage.
Claire Walker, CEO of the National Churches Trust said:
“If you are responsible for looking after a place of worship, Treasure Ireland will make it easier for you. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the finances of churches with many unable to raise money from worshippers, visitors or from the hire of church halls. Our new grants programme offers help with the cost of repairs and essential maintenance and will help keep the churches and chapels of Northern Ireland in good condition.”
Treasure Ireland is run by the National Churches Trust, the UK’s church buildings support charity in partnership with Ulster Architectural Heritage, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and the Department of Communities.
To find out more about Treasure Ireland contact Nina McNeary, Church Support Officer Nina [email protected]
About the National Churches Trust
The National Churches Trust is the UK charity concerned with the protection and welfare of churches, chapels and meeting houses throughout the United Kingdom. They aim to:
- a) Provide grants for the repair, maintenance and modernisation of church buildings
- b) Act as a catalyst to improve and bring more resources to the management of church buildings
- c) Promote the value of church buildings to the community at large
For more information visit www.nationalchurchestrust.org